Home / Archives / Vol. 12 No. 1 (2024) / Articles SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF MOLAR INCISOR HYPOMINERALIZATION (MIH) OPACITIES IN FIRST PERMANENT MOLARS

Aim: To evaluate the spatial distribution of MIH opacities in first permanent molars (FPM). Materials and methods: an analysis of intraoral photographs of FPM with demarcated MIH opacities was conducted. The presence of opacity was computed in a digital matrix, discriminating the anatomical regions of the FPM surfaces. The frequencies of distribution of the opacities were descriptively analyzed through 227 FPM digital images of 89 children built in GIMP and Python and by Spearman correlation (= 0,05). Results: the occlusal surface was the most affected one (94% to 100%). In the upper FPM, the palatine surface was the second most affected one (84%-91%). In the lower FPM, the vestibular surface was the second most affected one (85%-80%). A similar pattern of opacity distribution was observed in the contralateral teeth. On smooth surfaces, opacities were more frequent in the regions closer to the occlusal surface than to the cervical one. Conclusion: MIH opacities were mostly present on occlusal, vestibular, and lingual/palatine surfaces, respectively. There is a possibility that the occurrences are in accordance with the chronology of dental formation.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Following Root Canal Treatment of First Permanent Molars Among Children. A Cross-Sectional Study.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of pediatric patients (9-18 years old) who underwent root canal treatment (RCT) on first permanent molars (FPMs). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at three healthcare centers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Participants (n = 482) completed the validated OHIP5-Ar questionnaire to assess OHRQoL. Responses were classified as "optimal" (no problems) or "less than optimal" (any reported problems). Logistic regression analyzed the relationship between OHRQoL and sociodemographic factors. Results: There were 66.8% children reported optimal OHRQoL after RCT. Logistic regression showed no significant association between optimal OHRQoL and gender, family income, or location of treated tooth. However, although not statistically significant. Treating only one FPM with RCT (compared to multiple teeth) and lower family income (compared to higher income) were more likely to have decreased or increased odds of optimal OHRQoL (AOR = 0.684 or 1.424; respectively). Conclusion: RCT on FPMs can be a successful treatment option for pediatric patients, offering optimal oral health-related quality of life.

Clinical Evaluation of the Retention of Four Different Pit and Fissure Sealants on the First Permanent Molars - An Original Research.

Objective: In this study, the retention rates of four different pit and fissure sealant materials on the first permanent molars were clinically assessed and compared. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 kids aged 7 to 10 participated in a randomized controlled experiment. On their first permanent teeth, the subjects each got one of the four sealant materials (A, B, C, or D). Over the course of 24 months, the retention rates were evaluated every 6 months. The Chi-square test and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results: At 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, the following retention rates were observed overall: A (85%, 78%, 65%, 52%), B (90%, 82%, 70%, 60%), C (78%, 70%, 55%, 42%), and D (95%, 88%, 75%, 62%). At each time point, the sealant materials showed significant variations in retention rates (P 0.05). While sealants A and C showed lower retention rates, sealant D showed the best retention rates, followed by sealant B. Conclusion: This study shows that different materials have different retention rates for pit and fissure sealants on first permanent molars. Higher retention rates for sealants D and B suggest that they may be superior than sealants A and C. These results highlight how crucial it is to choose the right sealant materials to guarantee long-term retention and effectiveness in avoiding dental cavities.

Economic inequalities in decayed, missing, and filled first permanent molars among 8-12 years old Iranian schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND: First permanent molars (FPM) play an important role in the masticatory function and oral health. This study aimed to assess the economic inequalities of FPM health indices among schoolchildren in the northeast of Iran. METHODS: A total of 4051 children aged 8-12 years old were included in the analyses of this cross-sectional study in 2015. Economic status was measured using the principal component analysis on home assets. Concentration index (C) was used to measure economic inequality in FPM health indices, and its contributing factors determined by Wagstaff decomposition technique. RESULTS: The prevalence of having decayed, missing, and filled FPMs among children was 40.9% (95% CI: 38.8-43.0), 1.2% (95% CI: 0.8-1.6%), and 7.8% (95% CI: 6.7-8.9%), respectively. Missing FPM was generally more concentrated among low-economic children (C=-0.158), whereas, filled FPM was more concentrated on high-economic children (C = 0.223). Economic status, mother education, having a housekeeper mother, and overweight/obesity, contributed to the measured inequality in missing FPM by 98.7%, 97.5%, 64.4%, and 11.2%, respectively. Furthermore, 88.9%, 24.1%, 14.5%, and 13.2% of filled FPM inequality was attributable to children's economic status, father education, residence in rural areas, and age, respectively. CONCLUSION: There is a significant economic inequality in both missing and filled FPM. This inequality can be attributed to the economic status of individuals. To reduce FPM extraction, it is important to target low-income and rural children and provide them with FPM restoration services. Additionally, it is necessary to provide training to less-educated parents and housekeeper mothers to address the observed inequalities.

Prevalence, Severity and Associated Risk Indicators of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization amongst 8-13-year-old Children of Vadodara District Gujarat: A Cross-sectional Study.

Context: Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is an emerging clinical problem as the affected tooth is prone to dental caries with the lapse of time. Aims: To assess the prevalence, severity, and associated risk indicators of MIH amongst 8-13 years of children of Vadodara District, Gujarat, India. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study with a sample size of 3,000 government schoolchildren. A total of 1,500 children each from urban and rural areas were randomly selected and examined. Only permanent incisors and first molars were examined. MIH was diagnosed clinically based on the diagnostic criteria established by the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD), 2003. To check the relation between the two variables-Pearson's chi-squared test was applied. Fisher's exact test was applied when less than five expected values were found. Results: A total of 286 children (9.6 %) had MIH, with 189 (rural) and 97 (urban) children. MIH was significantly higher in the rural population as compared to the urban. In the rural area, the cause was found to be a child suffering from an illness (>15 days) which was 35.98%, and in the urban area was due to prolonged use of antibiotics before 4 years of age, which was 28.87%. Conclusion: The overall prevalence rate of MIH among the screened children between the age-group 8 and 13 was found to be 9.6%. Males were more affected. The severity of MIH was more in molars compared to incisors and more in children of rural areas. Clinical significance: Protocol for early diagnosis and follow-up to access the squeal of breakdown should be undertaken along with parents and health workers. How to cite this article: Shah VU, Dave BH, Chari DN, et al. Prevalence, Severity and Associated Risk Indicators of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization amongst 8-13-year-old Children of Vadodara District Gujarat: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(2):280-286.

Bonding Technologies in Young Permanent Molars: A Case Series.

Introduction: Dental caries has been the most common disease affecting the human population. Once cavitated, the disease requires restoration. Dental adhesives used to bond composite resins to tooth structure have evolved over the last several decades. Composites were developed to meet the requirements of durable esthetics restorative material. The process of bonding occurred due to micromechanical interlocking between hydroxyapatite of enamel and resin. Over a period of time, bonding to enamel has become a reliable procedure. However, bonding to dentin has proven to be less predictable. In order to overcome the challenges, dental adhesive systems have evolved through several generations with changes in chemistry, mechanism, number of bottles, application techniques, and clinical effectiveness. Case details: The "self-etch" system is especially attractive to pediatric dentistry because of its "fewer steps" and "lesser time." One product launched as a self-etching self-adhesive flowable composite Constic (DMG, Germany), a new three- in -one flowable composite that combines etching gel, bonding agent, and flowable composite in one single product which has multiple benefits over conventional products. Such a material can be of true advantage as it allows for single-step application, less technique sensitivity, and reduced chair time. In light of this knowledge, this paper will focus on two commonly performed procedures in the general practitioner's office, that is, the placement of small class I composite resin restorations and the placement of pit and fissure sealants on permanent molars in pediatric patients. Clinical significance: The advantage of this material is less technique sensitivity and reduced chair time. How to cite this article: Pruthi T, Pandit IK, Gugnani N, et al. Bonding Technologies in Young Permanent Molars: A Case Series. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(1):159-161.

Eruption Pattern of Third Molars in Orthodontic Patients Treated with First Permanent Molar Extraction: A Longitudinal Retrospective Evaluation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate angular and positional changes in the second (M2) and third molars (M3) of orthodontically treated patients undergoing a first molar (M1) extraction. A retrospective longitudinal study with a sample of 152 pre- and post-treatment panoramic radiographs was conducted. Thirty-nine patients (51.3%) were orthodontically treated with M1 extraction and thirty-seven (48.7%) were treated without extraction. Angulations of M2 and M3 relative to the infraorbital (IOP) and the palatal planes (PP) were measured and compared between the groups before orthodontic treatment (T1) and after the completion of orthodontic space closure (T2). The prognosis of M3 eruptions was evaluated by assessing their horizontal and vertical position (inclination) using different classification systems. The angular (p < 0.001) and inclination improvement (p < 0.01) of the maxillary M3 was significant for the M1 extraction group. The mandibular M3 inclination significantly improved (p < 0.01), whereas the groups' angulation and vertical position were not significantly different. These findings suggest that extraction therapy has a favorable effect on the maxillary M2 and M3 angulation, but not on the mandibular. M1 extraction showed a signi- ficant effect on the horizontal position of M3 and thus may improve the eruption space and prognosis.

Radiographic Assessment of Permanent First Molars Among Adults in Riyadh: A Retrospective Study.

Introduction The first permanent molars (FPMs) are the first permanent teeth to emerge in the oral cavity, which have an important role in dentition, dental development, and occlusion. FPMs are the most susceptible teeth to caries due to early eruption. There are many adverse consequences related to losing FPMs. Many of the previous studies focused on younger age groups. To the best of our knowledge, there needs to be more newly updated data reported in the literature regarding the status of FPMs in adults in Saudi Arabia. The study aimed to assess the status of permanent first molars among adults in a sample of patients in Riyadh. Methods A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted from the records of patients in the Dental University Hospital, College of Dentistry, King Saud University (KSU), after obtaining ethical approval. Panoramic images of 810 patients ages 18 and above who were seen at KSU, College of Dentistry, were examined to assess the status of FPMs. A panoramic examination was undertaken for various dental reasons in the time between the years 2017 and 2022. Patients were divided into three age groups: 18-30, 31-50, and >50 years. Data were collected in a particular form and analyzed. The prevalence of missing teeth, as well as restored and carious teeth, were recorded. In addition, further information regarding the type of restoration was recorded. Correlations of the findings regarding age, gender, side, and jaw were determined for all cases and were performed using the chi-square test. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results A total of 810 patients' panoramic radiographs were studied. Panoramic male study subjects were 382 (47.2%), and females were 427 (52.8%). Three-hundred thirty-nine (339; 41.9%) of them were of less than 30 years of age, 327 (40.4%) were in the age group of 31-50 years, and the remaining 144 (17.8%) were above 50 years of age. The prevalence of missing first molar teeth was 145 (17.9%) for teeth 16, 147 (18.1%) for teeth 26, 207 (25.5%) for teeth 36, and 188 (23.2%) for teeth 46. No statistically significant association was found between the age groups and gender and the first molar missing teeth (p=0.848 & p=0.159). Nineteen point thirteen percent (19.13%) of patients had only one missing FPM, 12.3% of patients had two, and 6.29% of them had three missing FPM teeth. Five point fifty-five percent (5.55%) of patients had four missing FPMs. A total of 56.8% (242) radiographs in the overall sample did not show any missing teeth. The mandibular FPMs (35.2%) were found missing more frequently than their maxillary counterparts (14.8%), and the left mandibular quadrant showed a slightly higher rate of missing FPM (25.55%). Statistically, a significant association was seen between the number of missing FPM among different age groups, p-value <0.0001. The most restored, carious, and replaced tooth was the mandibular left molar, and tooth-color restoration was the most commonly used restoration. Conclusion A high prevalence rate of missing first permanent molars (FPMs) was found in this study population. This calls for more awareness and preventive measures to preserve such significant teeth, therefore reducing the need for complex procedures. Further prospective studies on a larger population are needed to comprehensively evaluate the status of FPMs.

Combined orthopedic-orthodontic treatments of adolescent skeletal open-bite with severe molar-incisor hypomineralization: a case report and literature review.

The treatment of adolescent skeletal open-bite malocclusion with severe molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) remains challenging. Though conducive to open-bite treatment and endodontic management, early molar extraction may trigger a series of negative impacts on occlusion and stomatognathic development. In addition, molars' crown restoration was shown to worsen open-bite malocclusion considering the intrinsic vertical increment of hyperdivergent growth. This case report describes the successful multidisciplinary therapy combined with orthopedic and orthodontic treatment of a 10.2-year-old girl with mixed dentition, a protruding profile and skeletal open-bite malocclusion with severe MIH and crowding. During the mixed and early permanent dentition, function regulator-4 (FR-4), resin-bonding transpalatal arch (TPA) and modified spring-loaded bite blocks were implemented to correct abnormal swallowing and control the facial vertical growth. Radiographic results, including the counterclockwise rotation of the occlusion plane, decreasing mandibular angle and increasing posterior-anterior face height ratio accompanied by obvious mandibular vertical growth, indicated that the performed orthopedic treatments efficiently controlled hyperdivergent open-bite growth during puberty. After the maxillary and mandibular second molars were occluded, all first permanent molars were extracted, and fixed appliances combined with implant anchorage were used to correct malocclusion and convex profile. Ultimately, a stable Class I functional occlusion and satisfying facial improvement were achieved and maintained following a 2-year follow-up.

Classification of furcation involvement of endodontically treated mandibular first permanent molars based on cone beam CT / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @#To classify the furcation involvement (FI) of endodontically treated mandibular first permanent molars based on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), provide reference for individualized treatment of FI. @*Methods@#CBCT images of the FI of 164 endodontically treated mandibular first permanent molars from 163 patients in Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University were collected retrospectively. On the CBCT images, the shape and extent of periapical and periodontitis bone resorption, the thickness of residual dentin in the pulp floor and root canal wall, and the periodontal bone resorption of the complete dentition were evaluated. The FI was classified into periodontal, periapical, perforated and mixed types.@* Results@#Among the 164 FIs of endodontically treated mandibular first permanent molars, the periapical type was the most common (41.5%), followed by the mixed type (26.2%), perforated type (18.3%), and periodontal type (14.0%). Among the 68 periapical-type FIs of endodontically treated mandibular first permanent molars, 48.5% were proper root canal filling, 44.1% were insufficient filling and 7.4% were overfilling. Among the 43 mixed-type FIs, the periodontal mixed periapical type was the most common (72.1%).@*Conclusion @#Detailed evaluation and classification of furcation involvement could be performed using CBCT images; therefore, the study has guiding significance for clinical treatment.

Effect of Fluoride Varnish in Preventing Dental Caries of First Permanent Molars: A 24-Month Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Caries is a prevalent health problem. This study evaluated the effect of fluoride varnish in preventing dental caries of first permanent molars. METHODS: The study was designed as a stratified cluster randomized controlled trial, with classes as the unit of randomization. Classes stratified by district were followed for 24 months. All eligible children of the selected classes were included for the trial. The children in the test group were biannually applied fluoride varnish. The outcomes were measured at an individual level. RESULTS: In total, 107 classes (51 in the test group, 56 in the control group) were recruited for the trial. Of the 5397 participants, 5005 children (2385 in the test group, 2620 in the control group) completed the study. At the 24-month follow-up, the mean decayed and filled surface increment of the first permanent molars of the children in the test group was significantly lower than that of the children in the control group (0.38 versus 0.61). The caries incidence of the first permanent molars in the test group was 17.0%, while that of the control group was 23.7%, with a PF of 28.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Semi-annual application of fluoride varnish is effective in reducing the caries increments of first permanent molars.

Ectopic Eruption of First Permanent Molars in Children from North-Western Romania.

Ectopic eruption of first permanent molars can lead to complications if left untreated. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the ectopic eruption of first permanent molars in a sample of children from North-Western Romania, and to identify the characteristic of this anomaly in the studied population. We included patients aged between 5 and 9 years, and patients who needed a radiological examination for the diagnosis and treatment of dental or dento-maxillary diseases. The following exclusion criteria were applied: unclear or poor-quality radiographs; radiographs that belonged to patients who benefited from an orthodontic treatment before the panoramic radiograph was taken; patients who were undergoing orthodontic treatment when the radiograph was taken; and patients with local or general diseases that could influence dento-facial growth and development. Three degrees of severity were selected (moderate, severe, and very severe). The sample consisted of 438 patients, and 61 patients were diagnosed with ectopic eruption of first permanent molars (13.92%). Out of the 1752 analyzed molars, 103 were affected (5.87%). Patients with a moderate degree of ectopy were more frequently boys (56%, n = 14), while patients with a severe degree of ectopy were more frequently girls (52.8%, n = 19). Patients with a moderate degree of ectopy had significantly more frequently a unilateral position (57.1%, n = 16), while patients with a very severe degree of ectopy had significantly more frequently a bilateral position (36.4%, n = 12). The ectopic eruption was diagnosed at the level of the upper-right first permanent molar in a percentage of 18.4% (n = 19), at the level of the upper-left first permanent molar in a percentage of 17.5% (n = 18), at the level of the lower-right first permanent molar in a percentage of 32% (n = 33), and at the level of the lower-left first permanent molar in a percentage of 32% (n = 33). Although not very frequent, the ectopic eruption of first permanent molars is an important anomaly that should be early diagnosed, monitored and treated.

Treatments Performed on First Permanent Molars in a Sample of Lebanese Children: A Five-Year Retrospective Analysis.

Background: Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent worldwide chronic diseases and an expensive burden to healthcare services despite significant preventative measures Objective: Dental caries is a multifactorial chronic disease that occurs in early childhood and persists until adulthood. The first permanent molars (FPMs) are the earliest permanent molars to erupt what makes them vulnerable to caries among children and adolescents. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of different types of treatments performed on FPMs in 7-10-year-old Lebanese patients. Methods: In this retrospective study, a convenience sample obtained from the dental electronic health record system of 753 patients, aged between 7 and 10 years old who attended the department of Pediatric Dentistry at the Faculty of Dental Medicine-Lebanese University, between 2015 and 2019 was assessed. Preventive procedures (fissure sealants and preventive resin restorations) as well as therapeutic ones (apexogenesis, composite restoration, extraction, pulp capping, radicular treatment, pulpotomy, stainless steel crown, surgery and emergency) were investigated. Data collected was statistically analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). Results: The 753 patients were divided into 364 girls (48.3%) and 389 boys (51.7%). These patients underwent a total of 2145 procedures. Procedures were equally divided between therapeutic procedures and preventive ones (51.6% versus 48.4%, respectively). The most commonly performed procedure was composite restoration (41.9%), followed by fissure sealant (34.5%) and preventive resin restorations (14%). Treatments corresponded to a similar sex distribution with slightly higher male patients (53.6%). No statistical association was found between sex and procedure type (p=0.7). Conclusion: In the present study, therapeutic treatments prevalence is relatively high. Thus, educating the parents and teachers on the importance of FPMs would reflect in increased preventive treatments at the expense of decreased therapeutic ones.

Effectiveness of Silver Diamine Fluoride in Arresting Caries in Primary and Early Mixed Dentition: A Systematic Review.

Dental caries is a painful condition that could lead to nutritional problems which affects the overall health of the child, as well it is expensive to treat. The effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in primary and early mixed dentition is systematically reviewed in this study. This systematic review utilized the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta- Analysis statement (PRISMA, 2020). A literature search conducted using the common electronic databases (from 2010-2021). Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, ten randomized clinical trials (RCT) have met the inclusion criteria and were considered for the qualitative assessment. Critical appraisal of these studies was done. This systematic review found that using SDF is a successful and effective method in arresting dentin carious process in the primary teeth and first permanent molars in children. Additionally, when compared to the commonly used topical fluoride products and materials, SDF showed to have better cariostatic effect. However, these findings must be cautiously viewed since more research is required to support them.

Fissure sealants or fluoride varnish? Factors associated with choice of management method for occlusal caries in Public Dental Service in Norway.

PURPOSE: The aim of this practice-based study was to identify factors associated with choice of caries management method in first permanent molars in high-risk children treated in Public Dental Service in Norway. METHODS: The present study was based on practice-based observational data from 366 high-risk children (6-9 years). Caries management of occlusal surface of first permanent molars was used as outcome variable and categorized into "no treatment", "fluoride varnish" or "fissure sealant". Patient-related variables (age, gender, oral hygiene, caries experience at age 5, sugar snacking and dental anxiety), tooth-related variables (upper or lower jaw and diagnosis of occlusal surface) and county were used as independent variables. Data were analysed by descriptive analyses followed by generalized structural equation models (GSEM) and presented as relative risk ratios (RRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: In 319 of the 366 children, both first permanent molars in the same jaw were available for analyses, 276 (87%) had the same diagnosis for both teeth and received the same treatment. Multivariable analysis at patient level showed that age (RRR = 2.42, CI 1.38, 4.23) and caries experience (RRR = 1.39, CI 1.09, 1.77) were associated with higher probability of fissure sealant, while the county variable was significantly associated with lower probability for fluoride varnish use (RRR = 0.03 (0.004, 0.31). CONCLUSION: The majority of high-risk children in PDS received fluoride varnish or fissure sealants on newly erupted occlusal surfaces of first permanent molars. In addition to age and caries experience of the child, county appeared to substantially influence occlusal caries management method.

Assessment of caries diagnostic thresholds of DMFT, ICDAS II and CAST in the estimation of caries prevalence rate in first permanent molars in early permanent dentition-a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The actual burden of dental caries prevalence varies with the caries assessment tool used. Therefore, the present study evaluated the caries diagnostic potentials of Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT); International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) II and Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST) indices in estimating the caries prevalence rate of first permanent molar (FPM) in Saudi male children aged 7-9 years. METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional study included 390 children by multistage stratified cluster sampling method in Al-Jouf Province, Saudi Arabia. The prevalence rates of FPM caries were determined by DMFT, ICDAS II and CAST indices at various diagnostic cut-off points. Intra- and inter-examiner reliability was determined. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of FPM caries determined by DMFT (decayed), ICDAS II (codes 1-6) and CAST (codes 3-7) were 64.4% (61.6-67.2), 71.5% (69.2-73.2) and 71.0% (68.7-73.3), respectively. The prevalence rates of FPM caries determined by ICDAS II at various diagnostic cut-offs were as follows: 'sound' (code '0'), 28.5% (26.3-30.8); 'enamel caries' (codes 1-3), 57.2% (54.7-59.7) and 'dentinal caries' (codes 4-6), 14.3% (12.6-16.1). Similarly, the prevalence rates estimated by CAST at different diagnostic cut-off points were: 'healthy' (scores 0-2), 28.1% (25.9-30.4); 'premorbid' (score 3, enamel carious), 56.5% (54.0-59.0); 'morbid' (scores 4-5, cavitated carious dentin), 7.9% (6.6-9.3); 'severe morbidity' (scores 6-7, pulp exposure/fistula/abscess), 6.6% (5.4-8.1) and 'mortality' (score 8, lost), 0.8% (0.4-1.4). CONCLUSION: Enamel caries lesions were found in more than half of the FPMs investigated in the current study. CAST index is preferable because it detects the complete spectrum of caries. ICDAS II at codes 1-6 and CAST at codes 3-7 projected similar caries prevalence rates in FPMs.

Assessment of Permanent First Molars in Children Aged 7 to 10 Years Old.

Background: Dental caries is a chronic, infectious and preventable disease that is very common around the world. It has been observed that dental caries affect not only the majority of adults but also 60% to 90% of children. Permanent first molars (PFM) are the most commonly decayed teeth observed in children. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the decayed, missing filled teeth (DMFT) scores of PFMs in the early post-eruptive stage, within the scope of the United Nations Agenda for 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, thereby raising awareness for the prevention and treatment of permanent tooth decay. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in Erzurum between the years 2015−2016 by collecting data from children aged 7−10 years (17,208). In addition to the decayed, filled and missing data of the students' 6-year-molars, their ages, genders, frequencies of both tooth brushing and dental office visits were evaluated. The relationship between the variables was analyzed with chi-square. Result: The present study analyzed the data of a total of 11,457 children, 5704 girls and 5753 boys with a mean age of 8.74 ± 1.18. There was a statistically significant difference between the PFMs 16, 26, 36 and 46 regarding the number of healthy, decayed, missing and restored teeth (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence of caries in the PFMs of children aged 7−10 years was 15.9% and the mean DMFT was 0.79 ± 1.39. This result showed that PFMs might develop carious lesions and even be lost within three years in the early post-eruptive stage.

Health status of children's first permanent molars in Henan province from 2015 to 2020.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the eruption, caries, and pit and fissure sealing of the first permanent molars in children aged 6-9 years in Henan province. METHODS: The data of oral health examination in Henan province from 2015 to 2020 were analyzed in the information management system of China Children Oral Disease Comprehensive Intervention Project. RESULTS: Among 486 865 children in Henan province, the total eruption rate of the four first permanent molars was 73.44%, The prevalence rate of dental caries was 30.35%, DMFT was 0.67±1.18, the ratio of caries fil-ling was 4.45%, and the rate of pit and fissure sealing was 2.36%. From 2015 to 2020, the total eruption rates of the four first permanent molars in children aged 6, 7, and 8 showed a decreasing trend (χ2trend was 385.793, 964.142, and 71.964, respectively, all P<0.05). The prevalence rates of dental caries, DMFT caries filling ratio, and pit and fissure sealing rate in children aged 6-9 increased (χ2trend/Ftrend was 1 115.87, 1 270.53, 1 215.02, 763.48, respectively, all P<0.05). The total eruption rates of the four first permanent molars in suburban counties (75.41%) were higher than those in urban areas (71.90%) (χ2=756.44, P<0.05). The prevalence rates of dental caries, DMFT, filling ratio, and pit and fissure sealing rate in urban areas (34.23%, 0.76±1.24, 4.99%, and 3.75%, respectively) were higher than those in suburban areas (25.39%, 0.55±1.09, 3.50%, and 0.58%, respectively) (χ2 was 4 435.30, 3 922.56, 390.89, and 5 262.76, respectively, P<0.05). The first permanent molar eruption completely rate maxillary (84.96%) was higher than mandible (82.88%) (χ2=1 565.70, P<0.05), and the dental caries risk of the mandible (26.07%) was higher than that of the upper (13.88%) (χ2=38 112.53, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The health status of the first permanent molars of children aged 6-9 years in Henan province is not optimistic. The eruption rate decreased, the incidence of caries increased, and the rates of caries filling and pit and fissure sealing were low. We should pay attention to children's eating habits and oral health, strengthen oral health education, and improve oral health awareness.

Ectopic Eruption of First Permanent Molars for Pediatric Patients Attended King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Radiographic Study.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis and intervention of ectopically erupting first permanent molars (FPMs) are vital to avoiding later complex surgical or/and orthodontic treatment. Selection of proper type of intervention and simple treatment is considered as more convenient to use with children. PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective radiographic cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence and severity of ectopically erupting FPMs in children attending the Dental University Teaching Hospital (DUTH) at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted using panoramic radiographs (OPGs) of 2014 patients (973 females and 1041 males) aged from 5 to 8 years old who attended DUTH at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We assessed and recorded the age and gender of the subjects, the tooth number, arch, and location of the ectopic erupted FPMs, and the severity of resorption of the roots of the primary molars. RESULTS: Of 2014 reviewed OPGs, 45 (2.2%) cases were diagnosed with an ectopic eruption of the permanent first molar. The distribution of ectopic eruption based on gender showed that there was a higher prevalence in males 28 (2.9%) than in females 17 (1.6%). Of the 45 ectopic FPMs cases, 47 (78.33%) were detected in the maxilla, while 13 (21.66%) were seen in the mandible. Severe and moderate degrees of the ectopic eruption were found to be more common in the maxilla than in the mandible (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Clinicians should be aware of such conditions, as early diagnosis is essential for providing optimum dental care. To our knowledge, this study is the first to assess the prevalence of ectopically erupting FPMs in a Saudi population.