Quantitative assessment of enamel hypomineralization by KaVo DIAGNOdent at different sites on first permanent molars of children in China.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to identify the most caries-susceptible site of pits and fissures on first permanent molars by quantitative evaluation of the mineralization in both caries-active and caries-free children, and to provide helpful information for cost-effective, targeted prevention.


METHODS
Eighty-four caries-free and 85 caries-active children were selected from 800 6- to 7-year-old children with fully erupted first permanent molars. Hypomineralization of the central fossa (CF) and lingual pit (LP) of the maxillary or buccal pit (BP) of mandibular first permanent molars were evaluated by KaVo DIAGNOdent. Statistical analysis included grouped t test and single-factor variance analysis and paired comparison.


RESULTS
CF of mandibular first permanent molars had significantly greater hypomineralization than other sites. The hypomineralization of the maxillary CF is more severe than that of LP. The extent of the hypomineralization of each site at the first permanent molar in caries-active children was significantly higher than that in caries-free children.


CONCLUSIONS
Central fossae of first mandibular molars are the most hypomineralized sites in both caries-free and caries-active groups. The results suggest that preventive interventions should be targeted at the CF of mandibular molars with special concern given to the caries-active population.
Li
Shao-Min
SM
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China College of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China. lishaom9937@sina.com
Zou
Jing
J
Wang
Zhengyan
Z
Wright
J Tim
JT
Zhang
Ye
Y
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002648:Child; D002681:China; D004245:DMF Index; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control; D003733:Dental Caries Susceptibility; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005453:Fluorescence; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible; D016555:Matched-Pair Analysis; D008437:Maxilla; D008963:Molar / Q000473:pathology*; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000175:diagnosis*