Abstract

CASANOVA-ROSADO, M EN C, Alejandro José et al. Associated factors to loss of the first permanent molar on scholars of Campeche, Mexico. Acta odontol. venez [online]. 2005, vol.43, n.3, pp.268-275. ISSN 0001-6365.

Abstract Objectives: 1) to determine the prevalence of loss of the first permanent molar (FPM) on schoolchildren aged 6-13 years, and 2) to investigate the relationship between loss of FPM and sociodemographic, socioeconomic, behavioural, and clinic factors. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study on 1517 children of Campeche City, Mexico. The children’s mothers were surveyed using a questionnaire to investigate sociodemographic, socioeconomic, behavioural variables. Clinic dental examinations were realized in children. In the analyses, descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analyses were used. Results: The prevalence of subjects with at least one FPM lost was 7.5% (n=114). Of 6,068 FMP examined, 2.1% (n=130) were classified as lost. The mandibular FPM were lost more frequently (70%, n=91). The associated variables to loss of FPM that remained in the final model were: higher age (OR= 1.66, CI95%= 1.45 - 1.89) and regular and inadequate oral hygiene (OR= 2.64, CI95%= 1.39 - 5.02). As well as an interaction between structural enamel defects and sex, thus we can consider 1) the effect of structural enamel defects on boys (OR= 9.84, CI95%= 4.82 - 20.14), and 2) the effect of structural enamel defects on girls (OR= 38.10, CI95%= 18.98 - 76.48). Conclusions: The prevalence of loss of the FPM was relatively higher considered the age group under investigation (6-13 years old). We found variables of diverse types associated with loss of the FPM. The data presented serve like an indicator of the oral health status and could be employees as baseline for the evaluation of preventive dental health programs

Keywords : Oral Health; Schoolchildren; Epidemiology; Tooth Loss; First Permanent Molar; Mexico.