Bilateral symmetry of caries in children

Abstract

This study investigates bilateral symmetry of caries incidence on children aged 3- 14 years. The data came from dental records between 2016 and 2019 of the pediatric dentistry clinic located on Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ). The patients selected for inclusion had experienced dental caries and were systemically heath. To evaluate the prevalence of teeth decay and biofilm, the CPOD index and O’Leary index were used. The SPSS 20.0 software was used to perform statistical analysis (p< 0,05). A total of 206 of the 565 randomised dental records were included in the analysis. The average age was 8,28 (± 1,62) and 51% was female. The mean CPOD and O’Leary were 4,45 (± 3,61) and 27,38% respectively. The major incidence of bilateral symmetry on the upper jaw occurred on second deciduous premolars and molars (20,4%) and on first permanent molars (17,0%). The major incidence on de lower jaw also occurred on the same tooth - second deciduous premolars and molars (24,8%) and on first permanent molars (27,7%). Among the tooth that presented caries symmetry, was found an association between the hygiene level and caries development on all second deciduous molars and on the lower first permanent molar. It was observed the presence of bilateral symmetry of caries incidence on fifth dental elements and first permanent molars on both jaws