To assess the prevalence and sex disparities for caries in the first permanent molars (FPMs) in Benghazi city, Libya. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 375 children (206 girls and 169 boys) of age 6-12 at pediatric clinic of Faculty of Dentistry. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16, Chi square tests. Results: Caries prevalence in FPMs amongst all of the age groups 6-12 year-old was 675 teeth (45%). Contrary to national and international trends, there was no significant difference in caries prevalence of FPMs between boys and girls, in the upper right and left quadrant (P> 0.05). However, in the lower right quadrant significant differences (P<0.05) were found between the two genders in their FPMs carious status. Conclusions: A high rate of caries in FPMs 6-12 years old Libyan children. The high level of caries prevalence is a cause for concern. In all the quadrants, a higher experience of caries was observed amongst girls than boys except for the lower left quadrant caries was higher in boys. It is recommended that it necessary to start efficient plans to promote the dental health of the children, and the plans should be comprised of the education and the motivation for the parents, children, dental health services, and the preventive measures.

Background: Although the oral health status is improved over the past years, the dental caries is still the most common chronic disease in childhood. Oral health affects many aspects of life such as ability to speak, mastication and well being. Aims: to determine the prevalence of caries of the first permanent molars (FPMs) and to compare the caries incidence between maxillary and mandibular arch, and to determine the most affect segment by the decay in the dental arch. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted of 375 children aged 6 to 12 years in Benghazi city of Libya. The clinical examination for dental caries was based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. It has been calculated the frequency of caries free (CF) and the DMFT index in terms of decayed teeth (DT), filled teeth (FT) and missing teeth (MT). Data were analyses using SPSS version 16, Chi-square test and the Kruskal-Wallis tests were used. Results: A significant difference was found between sound and carious FPMs in all dental arch segments (P =0.001). The DMFT index of the sample was (1.80±.081) whereas; the highest rate was in left side of the mandible (0.51±.026). The DT component was the highest rate (92.6%) of the DMFT index. Conclusion:The DMFT in the mandible was higher than the maxilla. The caries prevalence of FPMs was similar in both sides of the dental arches, thus the intensive preventive and health service activities should be promote in Libya to decrease caries risk in school children.

Background: Oral health has a key role in the public health and well-being, dental caries is the most common oral disease in the world. The first permanent molar (FPMs) has been introduced as an index for predicting caries activity. Aim: To compare the dental caries incidences of FPMs among two age group's children in Benghazi city, Libya. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted of 375 children aged 6-12 years. The sample was divided into two groups according their ages, Group A, which included 150 children with age ranging between 6 to 8 years old. While group B which involved 225 children with age ranged from 9 to 12 years old. The diagnosis of caries was based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS, version 16 and Chi-square test was used. Results: In group A, the frequency of carious FPMs were (186 teeth; 12.4%), whereas sounds were (414 teeth; 27.6%). However in group B, the frequency of sound FPMs were (411 teeth; 27.4%), while carious were (489 teeth; 32.6%). A significant difference was found between the two age groups regarding caries incidence (P< 0.0001). The incidence of carious molars in group B was higher in the lower left jaw (9.4%). Conclusion: Significant differences were found between two groups regarding caries incidence of FPMs. However, the highest rate of carious FPMs was found in group B, thus caries incidences of FPMs is increased as age increased, A significant difference (P< 0.05) was found between two groups regarding the distributions of caries in the different segment of dental arch. Recommendation: FPMs are very important teeth for maintaining integrity of the dental arches. However, the incidences of caries in FPMs were increased with the age. Therefore, it is recommended that it necessary to pay careful preventive strategies involving fissure sealant, home care and fluoride applications. In addition, promote the educational programmers' for parents.