Dental Plaque and Caries on Occlusal Surfaces of First Permanent Molars in Relation to Stage of Eruption

Abstract

The occlusal surfaces of partly and fully erupted first right permanent molars were examined with respect to the occurrence and distribution of plaque and dental caries in a group of 57 six- to eight-year-old children. The children were classified into four groups ranging from one tooth partially erupted to full occlusion. Occlusal plaque was recorded at two levels of examination: (1) visible plaque and (2) detailed mapping by means of a plaque detector system. Dental caries was recorded after professional cleaning. The recording of plaque was repeated after 48 hr without oral hygiene. The findings showed a significant reduction in the easily detectable plaque in fully erupted teeth, compared with the three groups representing partly erupted teeth. The detailed mapping of plaque showed a clear pattern of preferential locations related to the macromorphology of the occlusal surfaces, and revealed reduction in the frequency of thick plaque accumulation in the fully erupted teeth. The proportion of active lesions was reduced in fully erupted teeth, and arrested lesions were mainly observed in the same group. This indicated that erupting teeth are more likely to develop dental caries, due to favorable conditions for plaque accumulation. Functional usage of teeth in addition to improved access for toothbrushing promoted arrestment of lesions initiated during eruption.

Association between clinical parameters and the presence of active caries lesions in first permanent molars

“…18 Some authors have asserted that the first permanent molars are more susceptible to develop caries lesions during the eruption period. 4,8,14 It was observed that partially erupted first permanent molars had more abundant visible plaque and a greater proportion of active caries lesions than fully erupted ones. 4 However, in the present study, there was no significant association between eruption degree of the first permanent molars and the presence of active caries lesions in these teeth.…”

“…4,8,14 It was observed that partially erupted first permanent molars had more abundant visible plaque and a greater proportion of active caries lesions than fully erupted ones. 4 However, in the present study, there was no significant association between eruption degree of the first permanent molars and the presence of active caries lesions in these teeth. The presence of abundant visible plaque is probably more important in the development of dental caries than the eruption degree of the teeth.…”

3-year survival rates of retained composite resin and ART sealants using two assessment criteria

“…1,2 Placing sealants on occlusal surfaces of permanent molars is an effective method for preventing and controlling carious lesion development in pits and fissures. 3 Currently, the main materials used for sealing pits and fissures are resin-and glass-ionomer-based.…”

Indirect pulp treatment without re-entry in a permanent tooth: 36 months of follow-up

“…After the arrestment of the carious process, it is not advocated that the infected dentine should be removed and a filling be placed 5, 10,12 . The mechanism that causes the arrest of deep caries lesions does not seem to differ from that observed in non-cavitated surfaces during tooth eruption [13][14] or after mechanical removal of biofilm from non-cavitated teeth 15 . The present study suggests that it is not necessary to reopen the cavity to remove the demineralized dentine as the demineralized dentine, once sealed, can turn from active to inactive and harbors fewer microorganisms.…”