Comparative evaluation of caries status in primary and permanent molars in 7–8-year-old schoolchildren of shimla using caries assessment spectrum and treatment index

Abstract

Background:A new epidemiological index is introduced for full assessment of dental caries which is known as caries assessment spectrum and treatment (CAST). “Spectrum” is considered backbone of this index as it covers from no lesion to advanced stage progression of caries. We aimed to evaluate and compare the status of caries in primary and permanent molars of 7–8-year-old schoolchildren of Shimla using CAST index and to find if any correlation exists between the status of caries in evaluated teeth.Methods:Three hundred and one schoolchildren with age group of 7–8 years were selected from schools in Shimla. CAST codes were determined for primary molars and first permanent molars. The distribution of CAST codes in the examined molars is correlated with the help of Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. The level of statistical significance was established at P < 0.05. The intraexaminer reliability was determined by the unweighted kappa coefficient.Results:Caries was assessed in 6.3%–12.3% of the permanent molars in contrast to primary molars, in which caries was near about 50%. The correlation was stronger for first and second deciduous molars for the right side of the mouth than the left side (r = 0.293 and 0.257 in the maxilla and 0.503 and 0.319 in the mandible [P < 0.001], respectively, while correlation for teeth in opposite jaws was moderate [r = 0.20–0.47]). The intraexaminer reliability was examined (k = 0.90 for the primary and 0.85 for permanent molars).Conclusion:The correlation between primary and permanent molars regarding the caries status in primary molars is weak while strongest correlation was present on the right side of the mouth for first and second deciduous molars. The study also showed the applicability of the CAST index in epidemiological surveys.

Oral health of 6–7 year-old children according to the Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST) index

“…The prevalence of subjects with caries-free permanent molar teeth was high, which is in line with the results of a study by Dorenia et al, in Shimla. [23] but is in contrast to the findings of a study by Shyam et al, in 2017 [24] reporting a lower level of caries-free in the first permanent molars in India. Considering a recent guideline on fissure sealant, it is strongly recommended that the use of sealants should be considered in permanent molars with both sound occlusal surfaces and non-cavitated occlusal carious lesions in children and adolescents [25].…”

SOS Teeth: Age and Sex Differences in the Prevalence of First Priority Teeth among a National Representative Sample of Young and Middle-Aged Adults

“…In line with our findings, Doneria et al observed that 14.28% of primary molars were with CAST code 6, while only 0.6% of permanent molars suffered such morbidity [32]. Moreover, in a cross-sectional study of 4642 patients from the institute of antral Gujarat, it was found that the prevalence of dental caries was the highest (44.3%) in the age group 21-40, while the lowest prevalence was found in the geriatric population above the age of 80 [33].…”

Assessment of Caries Spectrum of First Permanent Molars in 7- to 8-Year-Old School Children in Northern Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In our study, the correlation between the caries status of the upper and lower FPMs was emphasized at the age of 7-8 years, because the anterior teeth are in the state of exchange. Hence, the exclusion of incisors and canines in this study provided a homogeneous sample of the population [13,16,23]. It was also observed that the Spearman rank correlation coefficient was statistically significant on all quadrants but showed the strongest correlation between the contralateral FPM teeth of the upper and lower arch.…”

“…The prevalence of sound FPMs was reported that 33% among 9-year-old Saudi school children [15]. Whereas it has been reported that 89.7% of Indian school children had caries-free FPM teeth among 7-8 years old [16]. The prevalence of FPM caries (diagnosed according to the WHO criteria) among 9-year-old Saudi schoolchildren has been reported as 67% [15,17].…”