Research Article

Incidence Rate of Dental Caries in First Molar Teeth Among Students at Sombonnongbouathong Primary School, Vientiane, Lao PDR

Abstract

The first permanent molar (FPM) are the inaugural element of the permanent dentition to emerge, typically erupting at approximately six years of age without the exfoliation of a precursor deciduous tooth. Often referred to as the ”6-year molar,” it serves as the cornerstone of the dental arch, playing a primary role in masticatory efficiency and the stabilization of the vertical dimension of the occlusion. Beyond its functional role in comminution (grinding food), the FPM is essential for the structural integrity of the developing dentition. It acts as a guide for the eruption of subsequent permanent teeth and is the primary determinant of the molar relationship and overall occlusal bite. Objective: The primary objective of this investigation is to evaluate the prevalence and clinical distribution of dental caries specifically within the first permanent molars (FPM) among the pediatric student population, spanning Grades 1 through 5, at  Sombonnongbouathong. Than Primary School in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Methodology: This investigation employed a cross-sectional, descriptive research design to evaluate the oral health status of the target population at a specific point in time. The study utilized a quantitative approach for data collection, Statistical Analysis The collected data were processed and analyzed using SPSS Statistics (Version 20). Descriptive statistics were utilized to calculate prevalence rates and distribution patterns, with the final results synthesized and presented through standardized analytical tables. Results: A total of 173 participants, including 72 females (41.6%) and 101 males (58.4%), had a prevalence of dental caries (74.5%) and non-carious teeth (25.5%). The most common age group was 10 years old with dental caries (29.5%). The number of dental caries of the first molars was 295 (43.0%), while the number of non-carious teeth was 397 (57.0%). The number of teeth with 5 teeth is equal to (0.72%). The highest rate of caries is N: 46 and N: 36 with the same number of caries (52.0%), followed by N: 26 with the total number of caries (31.7%) and the least common is N: 26 with the total number of caries (31.7%). The most carious surface of the teeth is the anterior surface (226 surfaces). Conclusion: This study found that the prevalence of dental caries in the first molars was high, especially in molars N: 46 and N: 36, which mostly occurred on the anterior surface.