Archives

Background:
Dental caries is a significant oral health problem in children which compromises the overall well
being of the child. The pattern of caries distribution in the deciduous teeth is not symmetrical with
some teeth being more prone to decay as compared to the others.
Aims and objective:
This study was conducted with the aim to identify the pattern of distribution as well as the treatment
needs of children, aged 2 to 7 years, with untreated dental caries.
Material and methods:
321 children aged between 2 to 7 years visiting the pediatric dental department for routine dental
visit were evaluated in the present study. Only children with untreated dental caries and intact deciduous
dentition were included.
Result:
The study showed that the lower posterior (mean: 2.24), upper posterior (mean: 1.95) and upper
anterior (mean: 1.67) region were more prone to caries as compared to lower anterior (mean: 0.21)
where least amount of caries were seen. In addition it was noted that restoration (75.49 %) was the
major treatment need in the children.
Conclusion:
The caries pattern in children between 2 to 7 years shows the nursing caries type of pattern with
mandibular anterior showing least amo unt of caries. Most of the children who visit the hospital
require less invasive treatment like restoration as compared to extraction and pulp therapy.

Dental caries, dental caries pattern, deciduous dentition, treatment needs