Early Primary Molar Loss and Associated Factors among Institutionalized Orphans in Yemen

This study was performed to evaluate the prevalence of early loss of primary molars among institutionalized orphans aged 6–10 years in two Yemeni governorates.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on children residing in orphanages in two governments in Yemen. A total of 644 children (420 males and 224 females) were examined. Data were collected through interviews and clinical examinations using a standardized form, which recorded demographic information, missing primary molars, and other dental conditions. The International Caries Detection and Assessment System II and criteria for factors contributing to tooth extraction were utilized. Occlusal status and arch relations were also assessed. All relevant data were analyzed using SPSS software. A chi-square test was used to determine associations between variables at a significance level of p <0.05.

About 7.8% of the children had early loss of primary molars. The prevalence of different types of malocclusions was not significantly different between the two governorates (p = 0.921). The present study underscores the high incidence of Class II malocclusion at 35.8%, and Molar hypomineralization was recorded at 4.3% with no statistically significant difference between the two governorates (p=0.285). The first molar of the left mandible was the most commonly absent tooth in the dental arch. The 4.7% early molar loss of orphans from Al-Hodeidah was higher than that (3.1%) for molar teeth in Ibb City, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.003).

A high percentage of early loss of primary molar teeth was prevalent, and the mandibular primary molars were the most frequently lost teeth, with regional differences that warrant targeted dental health interventions. These findings highlight the need for early dental care, preventive programs, space maintainers, regional prioritization, and training for caregivers to reduce the long-term oral health impacts on orphans.