Significance of the DMF(T+t) index for the children with prematurely extracted teeth

Abstract

Premature extraction of temporary teeth is a consequence of different factors such as socioeconomic status of the population, level of caries activity, oral hygiene, presence of fluoride in water, philosophy of the dentist. The aim of this article is to compare the DMF (T+t) between children with premature extraction and those without premature extraction. Subject of monitoring of the clinical research were 140 children between 6 and 9 years old. The clinical group consisted of 90 children with prematurely extracted teeth, divided into three groups. The control group consisted of 50 children with intact denture. The dental status was examined and registered according to the WHO by the DMF (T+t). There was a statistically significant difference in the distribution of caries DMF(T+t) between the control groups (2.34±019) and clinical groups (between 5.17±0.33 and 6.40±0.41). The children with premature extraction of temporary teeth had higher caries activity compared to the control group (children without early loss of teeth). The children with prematurely extracted temporary teeth and severe orthodontic deformation had the highest prevalence of DMF(T+t). These results demonstrate the connection between DMF(T+t), malocclusions and the need for prophylaxis.