Prevalence of dental caries in permanent first molars among pediatric population visiting tertiary care center: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Introduction: First Permanent Molar plays an important part in maintaining occlusion as well as vertical height of face. It participates in the maxillary growth and physiology of the mandibular system. The early loss of first permanent molar due to caries can cause irreversible damage to future oral as well as dental health. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of dental caries in permanent first molars among pediatric population visiting tertiary care center. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the patients visiting the Outpatient Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry of Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital. Data was collected from June 2024 to Dec 2024. Intra oral examination of the patient were performed using diagnostic instruments and evaluation of the caries in Molars was done of 8-12 years old following Mount and Hume classification. A convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. Results: Among the 440 participants, 239 (54.3%) were males and 201 (45.7%) were females. Prevalence of caries seen in maxillary right molar (16) was 161(36.6%), maxillary left molar (26) was 168(38.2%) while the mandibular had higher prevalence of 275(62.5%) at the right side and 288(65.5%) at the left side. Site 1 size 0 was seen on 11(2.5%) right side and 12 (2.7%) left side which indicated a lower prevalence of initial stage of demineralization Conclusion: This study highlights the disproportionate burden of caries in mandibular molars, driven by anatomical and behavioral risk factors.