Investigation of the first permanent molar caries in primary school students in Xuhui District of Shanghai Municipality.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence and current status of caries about the first permanent molars of students in elementary schools in Xuhui District of Shanghai Municipality in order to provide evidence for prevention and treatment strategies of caries. METHODS: Random cluster samples of 5698 students aged from 7 to 12 years old were examined with regard to caries epidemic status of the first permanent molars. The results were analyzed by SPASS13.0 software package. RESULTS: The caries prevalent rate of the first permanent molars was 16.18%. The mean DMFT of the caries patients was 1.80. The females' mean caries prevalent rate and DMbq' of the first permanent molars were both significantly higher than males'. The caries rate increased rapidly with aging from 7 to 12 (P<0.01). The overall filling rate of the first permanent molars was 56.04% .The prevalence of the first permanent molars in the mandible was significantly higher than that in the maxilla (P<0.01). The caries rate of students, who brushed teeth twice a day or more, was significantly lower than those who brushed teeth once a day or less. CONCLUSIONS: The caries prevalence of the first permanent molars in students of 7 to 12 years old in elementary schools in Xuhui District of Shanghai municipality was less optimistic. Some concrete measures should be taken to prevent and treat caries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]