Prevalence of dental caries in the permanent dentition of patients seeking orthodontic treatment in Bara Kahu

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and distribution of carious lesions in patients seeking orthodontic treatment. A total of 100 patients including both males and females were recruited consecutively during a one year period. Patients' pretreatment orthodontic records including charts, radiographs and photographs were examined carefully for the presence of carious lesions. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Prevalence of caries was high in the maxilla as compared to mandible. Most frequently involved teeth in both the arches were first molars followed by second molars. An assessment of caries risk of the patients is mandatory before initiating orthodontic treatment in order to gain favorable outcomes of the treatment