Revista Cubana de Estomatología (Dec 2013)
Acute dental caries of the first permanent molar in children younger than 12 years
Abstract
Introduction: the first permanent molar is considered the dental key to occlusion. The presence of caries here is high, hindering the achievement of goals set by various health organizations worldwide in this age group. Objetive: to determine acute dental caries behavior in the first permanent molar within a 12 year-aged population, assisted at The Dental Clinic of Santa Cruz in Goaigoaza Parish. Method: a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in The Dental Clinic of Santa Cruz in Goaigoaza Parish, Puerto Cabello, Carabobo, from April 2009 to April 2010. 97 patients (12 year-aged) were selected to form the universe and sample. These patients came to consultation in pain due to the presence of acute dental caries. Variables were recorded such as: age, sex, clinical grade of dental caries, external stimuli causing pain, dental face and the most affected dental arch: the variables were. The information was collected by interview and clinical examination. Results: the males accounted for 63.9 %. 3rd grade dental caries were present in 68.0 %. External stimuli causing pain were cold (75.2 %) and sweet foods (69.1 %) in both genders. The lower right first molar was the more affected (46.4 %) than the left one (36.1 %), as well as the lower dental arch (25.8 %) and the occlusal face (64.9 %). Conclusions: acute 3rd grade dental caries and males patients predominated. Cold and sweet foods were the most frequent external stimuli, The lower right first molar, the occlusal face and lower dental arch were the most affected. Keywords: acute dental cavity, first permanent molar, behaviour.
