Assessment of Occlusal Relationships of Canines and Molars in Primary Dentition among Children Aged 2 to 6 Years: A Cross-sectional Study

The occlusion of deciduous teeth determines the natural occlusion of permanent teeth. The occlusion between deciduous and permanent teeth is critical in predicting malocclusion because the latter has a strong dependence on the former.

The study was intended to undertake baseline data related to the occlusion relationship between the primary canine and primary molar teeth among children aged between 2 to 6 years from public and private dental clinics in Madinah Al-Munawarah, Saudi Arabia.

A cross-sectional survey was designed and conducted to examine the occlusal relationship between the primary canines and molars among primary dentition from public and private dental clinics in Madinah Al-Munawarah, Saudi Arabia over the period of February, 2021 to March, 2022. A total of 357 primary school-going children (215 girls and 142 boys) aged between 2-6 years were enrolled through a convenient sampling technique.

According to the results, primary canine occlusions (Class II: 64.7%, Class I: 71.1%) exhibited distinct molar associations. Consistent bilateral molar occlusion frequencies (flush terminal: 59.38%, distal step: 0.01, mesial step: 0.021) were noted. A prevailing ideal overjet (75%, mainly in females), increased overjet (17.9%), and reversed overjet (7%) were observed, with males showing a higher reversed overjet prevalence. Primate spacing clustered in the maxillary arch (42%), mandible (14%), and both (21%), with approximately 24% displaying no spacing.

The study indicated a relationship between the fitting of upper second molars together and the alignment of primary canine teeth in kids aged 2 to 6. Among this group, the most common occurrence of ideal front tooth overlap was observed more often in girls.