Prevalencia de la pérdida del primer molar permanente en adultos según el factor socioeconómico del cantón Biblián - Ecuador 2024

Abstract

Objective: To establish the prevalence of first permanent molar loss in adults and its relationship with socioeconomic status in the canton of Biblián. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on sixty-nine adult residents of the canton of Biblián, with a total of 276 first molars examined. Data collection was performed using modified and unmodified socioeconomic surveys. Oral health forms were also used, incorporating open-ended, closed-ended, and mixed questions. Results: It was observed that the most affected teeth were the lower left first permanent molar (3.6) in women and the upper left first permanent molar (2.6) in men, with dental caries being the main cause of tooth loss. Regarding sex, a higher prevalence was observed in women: of the 198 examined teeth, 145 were missing due to dental caries and other causes, whereas in men, of the 78 examined teeth, 53 were missing. At the population level, out of a total of 276 first molars, 58.70% were missing, and 42.40% remained healthy. Finally, the lower-middle socioeconomic stratum was the most affected, with 31.88% of participants, highlighting the economic constraints associated with tooth loss. Conclusions: A high prevalence of first permanent molar loss was observed among adults in the canton of Biblián, with dental caries being the main cause. The lower-middle socioeconomic group was the most affected, reflecting the influence of social and economic factors on oral health. Keywords: adult, tooth loss, first molar, permanent dentition.