Department of Pedodontic and Preventive Dentistry, National Dental College and Hospital, Dera Bassi, Punjab
1Address for Correspondence: Dr. Parveen Bathla, Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, National Dental College, Derabassi, Mohali - Punjab. Email: dr.parveenbathla@gmail.com
Online published on 10 July, 2014.
Dental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases affecting children. The first permanent molar is most important tooth and more susceptible to caries because of its morphological and functional characteristics as well as to the surrounding conditions the newly erupted permanent molars have to face.
The purpose of the present study was to determine prevalence of first permanent molar (FPM) and its relationship to the Dental Knowledge of 7–12 Years Old from Panipat.
This cross-sectional study was carried out on 840 children, selected randomly and examined for FPM caries using WHO (World Health organization) 1997 criteria. Data was analyzed using Chi-Square and Fisher Exact Test in SPSS 17.0 version.
The prevalence of dental caries in first permanent molar was recorded to be 66.55%. Mean DMFT recorded was 1.32± 1.19. The children who knew the age of eruption of the FPMs or who had received advice regarding oral hygiene from a dentist or parent had more sound FPMs.
High FPM caries prevalence shows that consideration must be given to preventive measures and the need to emphasize oral hygiene measures as all these have significant impact on future dental health of children.
Dental Caries, First Permanent Molar, Dental Knowledge, Oral Hygiene
