Incidence of retained deciduous teeth in a Nigerian population: an indication of poor dental awareness/attitude.

This pilot study aimed at assessing the incidence of retained deciduous teeth in a Nigerian orthodontic population, which could be helpful in teaching, as well as motivation of the community. A total of 361 patients were seen between January 2001 and May 2003 at the orthodontic clinic of University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, and 60 (16.6%) of them comprising 31 (51.7%) males and 29 (48.3%) females with age range of 7-23 years (mean age, 12.3 + 4.8 SD) presented with retained deciduous teeth. The social classification of the patients was according to the Registrar General's Social Class with no significant differences between the social classes (p > 0.05). Generally, more males had this occlusal anomaly than females. Angle's class I occlusion was found most in the subjects with the anomaly. Bilateral presentation of the anomaly was more than unilateral cases. The incidence was considered high and suggests a need for intensified dental education for the community for earlier preventive/interceptive measures.