Impact of caries onset on number and distribution of new lesions in preschool children

Abstract

This paper confirms the higher vulnerability for further caries development in those children with caries experience at age 3. Visible caries develops most frequently in the occlusal surfaces of the second molars: in high-risk children already by age 3 and in children who were caries free at baseline by age 5.

Caries pattern in three-year old preschool children

“…12 In accordance with previous findings it was found that tooth decay in young children mainly occurs on occlusal surfaces. 12,14,18,23,25,29 In these children, a small number of proximal surfaces are affected by caries, and if the disease develops, it begins after reaching complete contact between the first and second molar, at the age of 3.5 years. There are no differences in the incidence of caries on the mesial and distal surfaces of the first and second molar.…”

“…9 Similarly, Leroy et al reported more frequent appearance of caries on the distal surface of the first molar. 12 Changes in the distribution of caries with age are confirmed by the examination of younger children whose occlusal and buccal surfaces were most affected by caries. 21 In a study by Doğan et al, an analysis of the distribution of caries on the surfaces of the particular teeth was performed.…”

“…16 For that matter, according to Warren et al, caries on occlusal surfaces were the most common (56%), especially in the second molar, while 58% appeared on smooth surfaces. 3 Similarly, a study by King et al 27 , Kerosuo and Honkala 7 , Nørris-gaard et al 29 , Gizani et al 9 , Leroy et al 12 demonstrated that the occlusal surfaces of the molar teeth are most often affected by caries, especially the second molar. 12 In accordance with previous findings it was found that tooth decay in young children mainly occurs on occlusal surfaces.…”

“…3 Similarly, a study by King et al 27 , Kerosuo and Honkala 7 , Nørris-gaard et al 29 , Gizani et al 9 , Leroy et al 12 demonstrated that the occlusal surfaces of the molar teeth are most often affected by caries, especially the second molar. 12 In accordance with previous findings it was found that tooth decay in young children mainly occurs on occlusal surfaces. 12,14,18,23,25,29 In these children, a small number of proximal surfaces are affected by caries, and if the disease develops, it begins after reaching complete contact between the first and second molar, at the age of 3.5 years.…”

“…9,10 The pattern of caries in primary dentition changes with age, as in 3-year-old children the upper incisors are the most frequently affected by caries, while in older children the lower molar teeth, which may suggest a connection with the timing of tooth eruption and their time of being in the oral cavity. 11,12 The aim of the study was to evaluate the pattern of early childhood caries in children at the age of 3.…”