Prevalence of pit & fissure types and their association with gender and caries pattern of young permanent first molars in 6-8 year old children

Abstract

Aim: To study the Prevalence of pit & fissure types and their association with gender and caries pattern of young permanent first molars in 6-8
year old children. Methodology: A cross-sectional study involving 6-8-year-old children will be conducted to assess the prevalence of pit and
fissure types in young permanent first molars. Dental examinations, gender categorization, and caries assessments will be performed. Statistical
analyses, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, will be employed to evaluate associations and identify potential predictors. Results:
It was found that intermediate type of fissures was most prevalent followed by shallow type of fissures. Deep fissures had significantly more
caries than intermediate, and shallow had the least incidence of caries, irrespective of the jaw type and arch side. Also, in general, the left side of
arch had lesser caries than that in the right side. Conclusion: It is recommended to seal off the intermediate and deep pits and fissures in children
with high risk of caries, and appropriate preventive measures should be taken. Tooth morphology can be used as an indicator to identify the
children at high risk, especially in settings where resources are not adequate.