PREVALENCE OF DENTAL CARIES ON PERMANENT FIRST MOLARS AMONG CHILDREN OF AGE GROUP 6-14 YEARS

Abstract

Background: Dental caries currently represents the most common chronic disease among children. Early detection of caries is very important as it helps in the prevention and control of carious diseases. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of dental caries on permanent first molars among children of age group 6-14 years.         Methods: This descriptive cross–sectional study was conducted among 270 children coming to Department of Pedodontics of Chitwan Medical College. The children of age 6-14 years were included in the study. Caries status was noted using DMFT index and the data was presented using descriptive statistical tool. This was analysed using SPSS version 26. Results: A total of 270 children of age group 6-14 years (Mean ± SD: 9.84 ± 2.24 years, median 10 years) participated in the study. The prevalence of dental caries of left mandibular first permanent molar was high 108 (40%) among the studied teeth. The prevalence of dental caries was high in mandibular arch. Conclusions: Among the permanent first molars, prevalence of dental caries was higher in mandibular arch than maxillary arch.