Temporary teeth dental status – high risk factor for young permanent teeth decay

The aim of this study was to evaluate temporary teeth caries incidence in a group of school-childrens and to identify determinants of caries lesions that can be controlled through cost-effective interventions.Material and method.112school-childrens were followed from the age of 7 to 10 years.The status of the temporary teeth was evaluated annually, by means of the dmft index.The data were processed statistically, and the results were considered significant for p < 0.05.Results.The evolution of the dmft index reflected the lack of interest for the treatment of dental lesions, having values of 4.82 ± 2.19 at the age of 7 years, respectively 5.02 ± 1.40 at the age of 8 years.The frequency of dental brushing has led to significant differences in relation to the temporary teeth decay incidence, at the above mentioned ages.Discussions.The dmft index for temporary teeth during mixed dentition has no absolute relevance, due to the individual variability related to dental permutation, but remains the best predictor for caries risk assessment of young permanent teeth.Oral-dental hygiene has proven to be an element that allows for adequate control of carious disease.Conclusions.The programs for the prevention of dental caries, with the direct purpose of learning the correct dental brushing technique, should be started from the period of the temporary dentition, in order to allow the proper posteruption evolution and maturation of the permanent teeth.