Prevalence and factors associated with early loss of the first permanent molar in peruvian schoolchildren

Saavedra V.R.P.; Ortega R.A.R.; Cisneros C.A.R.; Herrera-Plasencia P.M. · Revista Cubana de Medicina Militar (2025)

Resumen

Introduction: The first permanent molar is considered an important tooth in the oral cavity. Its early loss could have important consequences, such as decreased chewing efficiency and migration of adjacent teeth Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with the early loss of the first permanent molar in Peruvian schoolchildren. Methods: A descriptive and correlational cross-sectional study, the sample consisted of 208 schoolchildren aged 6 to 12 years from an educational institution in Peru. The associated factors evaluated were age, sex, caries of the first molars present and oral hygiene index, and the absent first molar was determined according to its position in the arch. Correlation was determined using chi-square and Mann Whitney U test. Results: The prevalence of early loss of permanent first molars was 22.1%; the factors associated with early loss of the first molar were the age of 11 to 12 years, the presence of caries in the first molars present and the oral hygiene index (p< 0.05). The highest frequency of absent first molar type was 3.6 with 43.5%. Conclusions: The prevalence of early loss of the first permanent molar affects less than a quarter of the schoolchildren evaluated. The main factors associated with this condition include age, the presence of caries in the remaining first molars and the oral hygiene index.

Instituciones: Universidad César Vallejo