Food Retention on Occlusal Surface of Second Primary Molars

Walter, de Figueiredo Luiz Reynaldo; Lara, Hernández Sandra Marisol; Meneghel, Lira Luciana & Fernandes, Parron Karen Barros

Summary

The literature indicates that second primary molars are the most affected teeth by carious lesions in primary dentition. The aim of this study is to identify the food retention areas at the occlusal morphology of the second primary molars in children from 36 - 48 moths of age. 54 children were evaluated at two experimental times (to: 0 e t1: 30 minutes), after intake a chocolate cookie. Was documented the food retention area by digital photography. After that, it will be calculated the retention area using the Image Tool Program 4.0 and the Bioestat 5.0 program (UTHSCSA, 2002) to statistically analyzed, setting p<0,05. The food retention was observed mainly in maxillary molars with complex anatomy for both mandibular (90.74%) and maxillary molars (85.18%), with no statistical difference between the groups (Qui Square’s test, p= 0.220). It was observed a higher food retention area in mandibular when compared to maxillary molars for both the initial (mandibular: 0.42 ± 0.02 and maxillary molars: 0.27 ± 0.02) and the final time (mandibular: 0.11 ± 0.01 and maxillary molars: 0.06 ± 0.01), according to Mann-Whitney’s test. In conclusion, second primary mandibular molars retain more food than the maxillary molars, agreeing with clinical data of caries prevalence. KEY WORDS: dental caries, retention, primary tooth, child.

How to cite this article

WALTER, F. L. R.; LARA, H. S. M.; MENEGHEL, L. L. & FERNANDES, P. K. B. Food retention on occlusal surface of second primary molars. Int. J. Odontostomat., 2(2):189-195, 2008.