Epidemiological survey on prevalence of missing first molar due to caries: A case study

Introduction: The first permanent molar is exposed to the oral environment for a longer period of time than any other permanent tooth, and also first permanent molars have deep pits and fissures which are more susceptible to food lodgment, which in turn leads to dental caries and its subsequent loss. The incidence of caries among 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 is to evaluate the prevalence of loss of first molar due to dental carries in south Indian 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. Two examiners accomplished the assessment, and data was described in a proper form. Results: As per the current study, results showed that the number of males with missing first molar is more than females. Our findings showed that the age group between 15 to 29 years showed a maximum prevalence of 71% of missing first molar. Prevalence of missing first molar was seen less (30.2%) in category of people who had the habit of brushing twice.