Dental caries status of first permanent molars of six and twelve year old Filipinos

Authors: Zenaida B. Amirhussin, DMD., M.P.H Viela B. Parial, D.M.D., M.P.H., Dip in perio

INTRODUCTION

 A study on the dental caries prevalence in 6year molar has not been done since the publication of Dr. Aleli Anenias-Vida in 1977. This subject of research is one of the concerns of the Dental Profession in the Philippines because of the absence of documented national data.

 Such information can serve as a reference in developing a policy in dental care on how to keep these teeth in the oral cavity in order to reduce orthodontic problems which will arise as a result of its early loss. orthodontic treatment is very expensive and majority of the Filipinos cannot afford it.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

 Data were collected from 6 and 12 year-old. Subjects examined during conduction of First National Monitoring Evaluation Dental Survey in 1982. Survey was undertaken nationwide in 54 sampling points. In every region, an urban and rural community were represented ( Metro Manila urban only).

 Subjects were pre-determined from the listing of names submitted by the Regional Chief Dental Officers to the Research Division, Bureau of Dental Health Services, Ministry of Health. Findings on the dental caries status of the upper and lower permanent first molars were collected, computed and ultimately organized by region, area and age.

OBJECTIVES

a) General objectives: To assess the dental caries status of the permanent first molars of 6 and 12 years old Filipinos. b) Specific objectives: 1. To determine the caries experience. 2. To investigate the extent and severity of dental caries. 3. To establish the attack rate of dental caries between the ages of 6 to 12 year-old.

DISCUSSION

Prevalence of dental caries

Total number of subjects examined is 1,491 represents about one third of actual population of six and twelve years old in 54 sampling sites throughout the country.

 75.92 percent ( 1,132 ) were found with dental caries on their permanent first molars. among six year old: 58.82 percent among 12 years old: 90.93 percent

 The greatest of the problem could be traced to the fact that greatest percent of Filipino children especially those belonging to the low income families has malnourishment. Prohibitive cost of food nowadays result in lesser calorie and protein intakes in many Filipinos.

 Protein deficiency during developmental period can influence susceptibility of subsequently formed teeth to dental caries. The effect of malnourishment on teeth of school children can be aggravated by their fondness of eating cariogenic snacks.

Number of carious permanent first molars

It is sad to note that majority of the six yearold subjects examined had two (2) DMF first molars. 15.09 percent had 4 DMF. The rest had either one or more than three DMF.

 Majority of 12 year-old subjects examined (44.74%) were found with four DMF first molars. Its is dissatisfying to observe that only 11.35 percent had one DMF first molars.

 The increased number of first molars attacked with dental caries from six year to 12 year-old subjects tends to support the trend of affection of the disease that dental caries develops fast on teeth of children.

Dental caries status of permanent first molars

Of 1,574 erupted first molars of six year-old subjects only 41.04 percent was caries free. The rest were either decayed, missing or filled. The greatest bulk of first molars with dental caries experience were those decayed indicated for fillings, a smaller portion were indicated for extraction.

 According to national health survey in 1987

Reasons for not seeking dental treatment: Financial limitations Fear Non-availability or in-accessibility of dental services

Upper and lower permanent first molars

DANGER AREAS: Caries develop most frequently in certain specific sites of stagnation, probably in direct proportion to the ability for plaque or plaque-like condition to form and to persist in such regions. subject of close scrutiny during clinical examination.

 Main danger areas: o The occlusal surface of mandibular molars has three pits namely, the central, mesial, and distal pits. o The occlusal surface of maxillary molars has only one, the central pit.
The lower first molars, has more crevices + its location in the oral cavity , leading dental caries to set in.

 six year old subjects: o ration of decayed lower first molars is more than 2.5 than its counterpart in the maxilla. twelve year old subjects: o The difference of decayed upper and lower first molars is 1.4. the factor that controlled the difference could be TIME ELEMENT

 TIME ELEMENT the length of exposure of the molars at the risk to oral environment. Many of the molars at risk to dental caries after six years of age are the upper first molars considering that majority of the mandibular first molars were already decayed even at an early age of the subjects.

SUMMARY

 The percentage of 6 and 12 years old children with dental caries experience, on their permanent first molars which is 75.92 percent is considered HIGH.

 Majority of the six year-old subjects had 2 DMF first molars while the twelve years old had 4 DMF first molars.

 Less than one half of the erupted first molars of six year old children were caries free. Among 12 years old the data was much lower; it was less than one fourth.

 In both ages the greatest bulk of DMF 1st molars was decayed indicated for fillings, it was 54.83 percent for 6 years old and 48.51 for 12 years old.

 The quantity of decayed mandibular first molars of six years old children was 2.5 more than decayed maxillary first molars. It was only 1.4 more among twelve years old children.

Thank you for attention

By: Tajvidi, Shaghayegh Toloe, Niloofar Khashe, ahmad Padasht, hesam