Caries susceptibility of first permanent molars and treatment needs in Sri Lankan children, aged 13-16 years, in 1986.

The caries status of the permanent first molar was studied in 683 school children (aged 13-16 years) selected from six schools in Kandy. Radike (1972) criteria were used for the examination. Of 2732 first molars examined, 37 per cent were found to be carious, filled or missing. Susceptibility to caries was higher in mandibular molars (47 per cent) than in maxillary molars (25 per cent). In 36 per cent of the children all four molars were sound, while in 11 per cent they were all affected by caries. Of 998 DMF units, 676 (68 per cent) were decayed, 189 (19 per cent) filled and 133 (13 per cent) extracted. Seventy-nine per cent of the DF sites were occlusal. Results suggest that a high proportion of carious permanent molars have been neglected without the seeking of professional care. Approaches for preventive and restorative care for the permanent first molar tooth, appropriate in Third World countries, are suggested.