Comparison of Ages of Eruption of the First Permanent Teeth

It is currently suggested that physical development occurs at a younger age. By comparing the age of eruption of teeth we can gain knowledge in whether the same is true for the development of the permanent dentition. Objective: To compare and contrast the average age of eruption of the permanent first molars and permanent central incisors between two time periods (Period 1: 1985-1987 and Period 2: 2004-2006). Methods: The sample of seventy-five randomly chosen charts were divided into four categories Male and Female Period-1, Male and Female Period-2. Each chart was given a number to protect identity. A record was made of the age of the patient at the first dental exam noting the presence of the certain permanent teeth. The data was evaluated, a mean and standard deviation were determined for each category. Results: The mean ages of eruption ± standard deviation are Male- Period-1: mandibular molars-6.57±0.707years, maxillary molars-6.74±0.758years, mandibular incisors-6.85±0.639years, maxillary incisors-7.15±0.720years; Period-2: mandibular molars-6.51±0.654years, maxillary molars-6.58±0.548years, mandibular incisors-6.57±0.634years, maxillary molars-7.11±0.435years. Female- Period-1: mandibular molars-6.70±0.672years, maxillary molars-6.67±0.666years, mandibular incisors-6.40±1.20years, maxillary incisors-7.20±0.461years; Period-2: mandibular molars-6.40±0.728years, maxillary molars-6.60±0.512years, mandibular incisors-6.27±0.532years, maxillary incisors-6.91±0.619years. Conclusion: The results indicate an apparent trend towards decreasing eruption ages. This change is not statistically significant due to the sample size. The preliminary data has caused us to change the selection criteria of the sample, and increase the sample size

The limitations of this study are recognized in that the sources of the data are different. Recording the exact age of eruption would require a prospective study with cooperation from the patient and parent for at least a year. The present study is used as a pilot study to aid in the decision if such a detailed study is warranted.