Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None
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Background: School children in the age group of 8-12 yrs are the most vulnerable group for various oral health problems, this is the time in which the first permanent molars erupt in the oral cavity and heralds the beginning of a time in which there is a combination of primary and permanent teeth. In 2000 both the WHO and the FDI announced the age of 12 to be of special importance with regard to caries and is the crucial age regarding preventive policies .This tooth is often ignored by the child and by parents as they are not aware of the importance of it. Finally such a study can be used as a powerful aid for planning a proper oral health care system at early ages. The study on the status of the first permanent molars among school children of Bangalore city in the age group of 8-12yrs was undertaken.
Methods: 2000 school children based on stratified randomised sampling method from Bangalore city were examined (Type Ill) and the findings was recorded on a standardized proforma. The findings reflected the status of the first permanent molars of the school children.
Results: About 25- 35% of the first permanent molars were affected by dental caries ,the average number of surfaces affected by dental caries was 1.09 ie. among 2000 students atleast one surface was affected by dental caries. 50% of them had gingival bleeding, 59.19% had fair oral hygiene .
Condusions: The present study of the status of the first permanent molars among school children of Bangalore city in the 8-12 yrs reflects the oral health situation in this age group and this is the right period for any diagnosis and prompt treatment of first permanent molars and later maintenance of the future permanent dentition.