Prevalence of Dental Anomalies in Deciduous Teeth and their Correlation with the Permanent Dentition: Double Teeth, Hypodontia and Hyperdontia

Context: Dental anomalies of number, shape and size can easily compromise the development and function of the dentition, since normal tooth morphology is one of the factors contributing to a well-balanced and stable occlusion. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dental anomalies in the primary dentition and their influence on the development of the dental anomalies in the permanent dentition. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 2350 children, 1300 girls and 1050 boys, aged 4-6 years, attending public kindergartens in the central city area of Skopje. The examination was conducted as a part of the Project for Mental and Body Health of the city of Skopje in the Centre for Mental Health of the Republic of North Macedonia. Dental anomalies in number and morphology were registered as follows: double teeth, hypodontia and hyperdontia. A panoramic radiograph was taken of those children that demonstrated one or more of these anomalies in order to evaluate the status of the permanent dentition. Results and Conclusions: Twenty-one children (0.89%) had anomaly of the primary teeth. Hyperdontia was most prevalent (0.38%), while hypodontia was the least prevalent anomaly (0.21%). Seven children had double teeth (0.30%). Except for hypodontia, the anomalies were more prevalent in girls, but the difference was not significant. There was a high correlation coefficient between the dental anomalies in the deciduous and permanent dentition (r=0.8). This indicates the need for early monitoring of the permanent dentition and occlusion in children with primary dental anomalies.