Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Micro-dissection of Enamel Organ from Mandibular Incisor of Rats Exposed to Environmental Toxicants
Published on: March 29, 2018
Dental caries in permanent first molars: implications for health surveillance
Paulo Capel Narvai1, Antonio Carlos Frias2, Carlos Cesar da Silva Soares1
1Universidade de São Paulo, School of Public Health, Department of Policy, Management and Health - São Paulo (SP), Brazil.
Objective:
To analyze the participation of the first permanent molars (M1) in the composition of the DMFT index, with or without exposure to fluoridated water (FW), its potential implications for health surveillance.
Methods:
its potential implications for health surveillance FW. Mean DMFT values and the percentage contributions of different tooth groups to these values were calculated.
Results:
Mean DMFT values were 2.66, 2.49, and 2.21 for capitals without FW in 2003, 2010, and 2023, respectively, and 1.58, 1.36, and 0.96 for capitals with FW. Between 2003 and 2023, mean DMFT values declined by 16.2% in capitals without FW and by 39.2% in capitals with FW. In 2003, the contribution of M1 to the DMFT index was 70.51% among those exposed to FW and 63.61% among those not exposed. In 2010 and 2023, these contributions were 67.95% and 57.68%, and 63.61% and 49.23%, respectively.
Conclusion:
The controlled presence of fluoride in water contributed to an increased percentage contribution of M1 to the composition of the DMFT index, whereas this proportion decreased in the absence of this preventive measure. However, this effect was not observed for premolars and second molars. This variation is relevant to oral health surveillance strategies, particularly activities aimed at the active detection of early caries lesions and their treatment.
More Related Videos
07:26Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
08:20Systematic Approach to Identify Novel Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Molecules from Plants' Extracts and Fractions to Prevent Dental Caries
Published on: March 31, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
The Oral Microbiota