European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

PREVALENCE OF MISSING FIRST MOLARS DUE TO CARIES IN DAKSHINA KANNADA POPULATION

Namrata Khanna*, Mithra N. Hegde, Gowrish Bhat and Vandana Sadananda

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The first permanent molar is exposed to the oral environment for a longer period of time than any other permanent tooth and has deep pits and fissures that are more susceptible to food lodgment, which in turn leads to dental caries and its subsequent loss. The incidence of caries amongst the various teeth varies considerably. The morphology, time of eruption and positioning of the tooth in the oral cavity confer inherited disadvantages or advantages to the various methods used in the control of plaque and hence tooth decay and losses. Aim: The Aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of loss of first molar due to dental caries in Dakshina Kannada rural, suburban and urban population. Materials and Methods: Subjects who had missing first molars were questioned with a standard questionnaire to find the reason for the loss of first molar. A mouth mirror, shepherd’s hook probe and adequate illumination were used. The Subjects were evaluated considering their age, gender, occupation, dietary habits and brushing techniques.

Keywords: Missing, first, molar, caries, proximal.