Occlusal molar surfaces in 12- and 15-y-old children in Iceland

Objectives: To evaluate the diagnosis of occlusal molar surfaces of the permanent first and second molars in 12 and 15 year old children in the Icelandic Oral Health Survey.

Methods: Twenty percent of 12- and 15-y-old children in Iceland were included in the study (N: 12=757, 15=750) chosen by a stratified random cluster sampling method based on place of residence and size of schools. Following brushing and flossing by a dental hygienist the teeth were examined by a dentist in a portable dental unit with a mirror, dental light, and an air syringe. Examination was done using the ICDAS-II visual detection criteria, requiring thorough air drying of the teeth. The criteria allow detection of lesions on a scale from 0-6, and separate scoring for sealants and fillings.

Results: The results were similar for upper and lower occlusal surfaces, and for left and right sides. Therefore, results are presented for 1st and 2nd molars in each age group. A high percentage of surfaces had sealants and fillings. First molars were almost the same in both age groups, except for a slight shift from sealants to fillings. The second molars at age 12 had highest proportion of sound surfaces and non-cavitated lesions (D1-2). By age 15 the second molars approached a similar pattern as found for the first molars

 

Proportions of Occlusal Molar Surfaces with Sound, Sealant, Filling, and Lesion Diagnosis1
	12-y-old		15-y-old
	1st molars	2nd molars	1st molars	2nd molars
Surfaces present	99.6%	60.9%	99.7%	98.1%
Sound (no lesion, filling or sealant)	13.2%	34.9%	11.5%	17.5%
Sealants	60.1%	34.4%	55.9%	51.3%
Fillings	20.2%	7.8%	27.2%	18.0%
D1-2 lesions	9.3%	22.5%	8.1%	13.6%
D3-6 lesions	3.4%	1.8%	3.5%	3.9%
D* + Sealant*	4.8%	0.9%	4.4%	2.8%
D* + Fillings*	1.4%	0.5%	1.6%	1.5%

¹ More than one diagnosis possible, e.g. Sealant and D

*also included in percentages for individual components

Conclusion:The occlusal surfaces of the molars are the most common site of caries attack in the dentition. This study found that a high proportion of occlusal surfaces were sealed or filled, while open cavitation in the occlusal surfaces was rare. The proportion of sound surfaces (no lesions, fillings or sealants) was low.

Supported by Centre for Oral Health, Primary Health Care Unit, and the Public Health Institute of Iceland. VSN # 03-140