Survey on oral health of university students: examination on tooth conditions using panoramic X-ray films

Abstract

As an aid in instructions oral health care to university students, tooth conditions were examined using panoramic X-ray films. The materials were taken from 129 students of the University of Tokyo. The average age was 22 years 5 months. The results were as follows: 1. Lack of tooth was frequently found to be both maxillary and mandibular third molars. It was also occasionally found to be maxillary first premolars, mandibular lateral incisors, and mandibular second premolars. The average value for lack of tooth per individual was 0.9. 2. Root canal fillings were often found in mandibular first molars, maxillary central incisors, mandibular second molars and maxillary second premolars. The average value was 1.1. 3. Metal restorations were often made in first and second molars, especially in mandibular. The average value was 6.2. 4. As for maxillary third molar axis, the majority showed normal direction. In mandible, however, the normal direction was only found in 37.7% and the others showed troublesome axes. It seemed that careful attention should be given to the mandibular third molar conditions.