THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE NUMBER OF SOUND, DECAYED, AND FILLED PERMANENT TOOTH SURFACES AND THE NUMBER OF SEALED SURFACES IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Objectives: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the pre valence of sound, decayed, filled, and seated permanent tooth surfaces for children and adolescents from three fluoridated communities in Br itish Columbia and to develop a predictive model of sealant use that i ncluded the dental caries status of tooth surfaces. Methods: Children in grades 2 and 3 (n = 2,715) and adolescents in grades 8 and 9 (3,317 ) were surveyed to determine the prevalence of sound, decayed, filled, and sealed permanent tooth surfaces. The DMFS index, modified to incl ude incipient(D-1) and cavitated (D-2) lesions, was used to measure th e status of all tooth surfaces. The prevalence of D-1 D2MF and sealed tooth surfaces was estimated by age group and tooth type. Logistic reg ression models were developed to analyze the association between a num ber of independent variables and sealant use. Results: About 60 percen t of surveyed students had one or more sealants present, with a mean o f 3.2 sealants per subject Of all pit and fissure surfaces on permanen t first molars, 23.4 percent and 20.1 percent were sealed for the 11 y ears and younger and 12 years and older age groups, respectively. For these same two age groups, the percentages of pit and fissure surfaces that were decayed and filled were 6.7 percent and 19.7 percent, respe ctively. For both age groups combined, 10.8 percent and 23.7 percent o f all pit and fissure surfaces on second molars and premolars, respect ively, were sealed. The prevalence of decayed and filled pit and fissu re surfaces was 5.6 percent and 1.8 percent, respectively for second m olars and premolars. Premolars were being sealed at a rate of 13 to I compared to the number of decayed and filled surfaces. Logistic regres sion failed to identify meaningful predictors of sealant use. Conclusi ons: Results from this study found an increase in the prevalence of se alants in the three communities surveyed, yet failed to identify crite ria used by dentists or auxiliaries when making decisions about sealan t placement. Professional education in the appropriate use of sealants may be necessary.