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Progression of interproximal caries in the primary dentition
J A Dean1, D H Barton, I Vahedi
1Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, USA.
The Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry
|June 27, 1998
Summary
Nearly 70% of primary molar teeth with cavities develop new decay on adjacent surfaces. Also, 89% of children with one cavity on a primary molar develop another on a different primary molar tooth.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Cariology
- Dental Public Health
Background:
- Interproximal caries in primary teeth is a common issue.
- Limited research exists on the progression of proximal caries in adjacent primary molars.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively examine the long-term progression of interproximal caries in primary molar teeth.
- To understand the development patterns of proximal lesions on adjacent surfaces and in different quadrants of primary molars.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of dental records from 150 children (76 from a university clinic, 74 from a private practice).
- Analysis of 387 primary teeth initially diagnosed with proximal caries.
- Evaluation of caries development on adjacent tooth surfaces and in posterior quadrants.
Main Results:
- 69% of primary molar teeth with proximal caries developed new lesions on adjacent surfaces.
- Simultaneous development of adjacent proximal lesions occurred in 41.9% of cases.
- 89% of patients with a proximal carious lesion in one quadrant developed another in a different quadrant.
- Simultaneous development of proximal caries in new quadrants occurred in 51.3% of patients.
Conclusions:
- Proximal caries in primary molars frequently leads to adjacent lesion development.
- A high percentage of children develop new proximal caries in different quadrants of primary molars, indicating a systemic risk factor.
- Findings highlight the importance of monitoring adjacent surfaces and contralateral quadrants for early detection and intervention.
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