Standards for permanent tooth emergence in Finnish children

Two groups of Finnish children, 1008 from the eastern part: of the country and 569 from the western part, aged 5 to 16 years, were examined to determi ne the timing of permanent tooth emergence and any regional variation there in. The probit analysis was used to calculate the median ages of eruption. Permanent teeth in the first phase of the mixed dentition erupted earlier a nd premolars erupted later than previously reported fur Scandinavian popula tions. The former finding could reflect the secular trend; the latter is pr obably related to the dramatically improved dental health in Finnish childr en. No regional variation in eruption was found. The median ages of eruptio n of permanent teeth determined in the present study are suggested for use as national standards for permanent tooth emergence in Finland, separately for girls and boys.