Mortality of First Permanent Molars among 6-12 Years Old Children Attending Dental Hospital / College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad

Background The first permanent molars are the leading teeth among the series of permanent dentition, with no primary predecessor. The aim of the present study was to estimate the mortality of first permanent molars and severity of dental caries. Materials and methods The sample composed of (84) children (39 males and 45 females) attending dental hospital /College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad. The age ranged from 6-12 years. Decayed, missing and filled surfaces index (DMFS) was used for recording caries-experience according to WHO (1987). Statistical analysis was done by using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 18. Results The rate of caries free was the highest in males at the age 6 years, which reached (83.3 %). A higher percentage of missing first permanent molar was noticed at age of 7 years (5.5 %). The mean value of DMFS was higher among females (4.572.57) than males (3.582.69). The percentage of children with missing one first permanent molar in the lower jaw was (3.8 %). While a higher percentage (59.7 %) were found with two decayed teeth in the lower jaw. Conclusion The present study reported a higher percentage of children with decayed and missing first permanent molars in the lower jaw compared to the upper jaw. A preventive program should be developed early in life and more care should be given to conserve the first permanent molars.