Longitudinal assessment of factors associated with dental caries on the first permanent molars: a prospective clinical study in Brazilian children.

PURPOSE

The first molars are frequently the first permanent teeth to erupt in the oral cavity, and their premature loss can significantly affect a child's oral health. This study aimed to identify determinants of dental caries on the first permanent molars among schoolchildren.

METHODS

A longitudinal study was conducted with 122 mother-child pairs from the Brazilian city of Diamantina. The children were evaluated at three instants: first, between 1 and 3 years of age (T1), then, 3 years after the initial assessment (T2), and finally, 6 years after the initial assessment (T3). Socioeconomic data, child habits, visible plaque, and dental caries (assessed through International Caries Detection and Assessment System [ICDAS-II]) were collected at all three time points.

RESULTS

The incidence of dental caries in the first permanent molars was 70.5% and was associated with the presence of caries at T1 (RR = 1.41; 95% CI 1.08-1.84) and T2 (RR = 1.58; 95% CI 1.12-2.22). The following variables at both T1 and T2 were also significantly associated with caries incidence: a high number of income dependents (RR = 1.66; 95% CI 1.17-2.35) and low brushing frequency (RR = 1.77; 95% CI 1.27-2.46). Yet, the persistence of low brushing frequency from T2 to T3 (RR = 1.32; 95% CI 1.05-1.65) was also associated with the incidence of caries.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of dental caries in the first permanent molars was associated with prior caries experience, low toothbrushing frequency, and schoolchildren belonging to families with a high number of income dependents. These findings highlight the importance of early preventive interventions and socioeconomic considerations in addressing childhood dental caries.