Incidence of Dental Caries in Permanent Mandibular First Molar among North Indian Population

Dental caries is a multifactorial condition that is influenced by a number of factors, including nutrition, bacteria, saliva, tooth shape, environment, sex, geography, dietary patterns, and genetics. Only a small number of research in India have examined the prevalence of dental caries, particularly in adults.

Aim: The purpose of the current study was to ascertain the incidence of dental caries in left and right mandibular first molars in adults attending the Out Patient Department.

Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional research was done among the 1287 patients. Clinical oral examinations consisted of visual examination and no radiograph was taken for the study. Chi-square test was used to statistically analyse the results. p value of <0.005 was employed throughout the study.

Results: The current study found that the youngest age group (16 to 30 years old) had the significant caries levels, followed by middle-aged and older age groups. In comparison to the right mandibular molar, the left first molar showed a higher prevalence of caries, with males showing a higher rate than females. It also demonstrated that the dental caries prevalence remains high among rural population in comparison to urban population.

Conclusion: Permanent first molar in early age group presented higher caries incidence.This finding can help in formulation of various preventive strategies.