Timing and sequence of emergence of permanent teeth in Syrian schoolchildren

The aim of the present study was to investigate the timing and sequence of the eruption of permanent teeth in Syrian schoolchildren.

A total of 1211 children aged 5-13 years were included. Every permanent tooth was scored according to its clinical stage of eruption. The significance of difference was tested using t test.

The mean number of erupted teeth in children aged 5-6 years was 2.41 ± 2.68, and reached to 24.48 ± 3.60 in those ages between 12 and 13 years. Mandibular teeth erupted earlier than maxillary opposing teeth in both sexes, except upper premolars. The eruption significantly proceeded in girls when compared to boys. Differences were significant for numbers 11 (P = .003), 21 (P = .035), 13 (P = .013), 42 (P = .038), 33 (P = .009), and 45 (P = .012). There was no significant difference between contralateral teeth (right and left) in the mean age of eruption in both arches. Lower central incisors and first molars were the earliest teeth to emerge in both sexes. Second molars were the last teeth to emerge in boys (maxilla: 11.68 years, mandible: 11.15 years) and girls (maxilla: 11.2 years, mandible 10.99 years).

Findings could be used as Syrian standards of eruption when health professionals assess normal occlusion and need to determine the correct timing for preventive or corrective procedures.