Incidencia de fracturas dentales verticales reportadas en la Ciudad de Chihuahua y su relación con la evolución de la pandemia por COVID-19 / Incidence of vertical dental fractures reported in Chihuahua City and its relationship with the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic

Durante la pandemia por COVID-19, la presencia de un incremento de fracturas y/o fisuras verticales ha sido reportada por Cirujanos Dentistas en diferentes países y foros, Objetivo: Determinar por medio de un análisis si existe una relación con este aumento de casos y la evolu- ción de la pandemia. Material y método: Se recopilaron los casos de fracturas verticales no restaurables durante el periodo de mayor índice de casos de contagio y defunciones por COVID-19 en la Ciudad de Chihuahua, México. Resultados: Durante el primer pico de casos y defunciones causadas por la pandemia, se incrementó el número de casos de fracturas verticales no tratables. Conclusiones: Existió una relación entre la evolución de la pandemia con la aparición de casos de fracturas dentales verticales no restaurables (AU)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the presence of an increase in fractures and/or vertical fissures has been reported by Dental Surgeons in different countries and forums. Objective: To determine through an analysis, if there is a relationship with this increase in cases and the evolution of the pandemic. Material and methods: The cases of non-restorable vertical fractures were collected during the period of highest rate of cases of contagion and deaths due to COVID-19 in the City of Chihuahua, Mexico. Results: during the 1st peak of cases and deaths caused by the pandemic, the number of cases of untreatable vertical fractures increased. Conclusions: There was a relationship between the evolution of the pandemic and the appearance of cases of non-restorable vertical dental fractures (AU)

Incidencia de fracturas dentales reportadas en la Ciudad de Chihuahua durante la pandemia por COVID-19 / Incidence of dental fractures reported in Chihuahua city during COVID-19 pandemic

Se presentan los casos de fracturas verticales sintomáticos que ameritaron la extracción de las órganos dentales afectados en un periodo de cinco meses durante la pandemia por COVID-19 en la ciudad de Chihuahua, México. Material y métodos: Se recolectaron 26 muestras para el estudio, proporcionadas por los cirujanos dentistas integrantes del Grupo de Egresados de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua. Resultados: Los resultados muestran diferencias a lo reportado previamente respecto al tipo de diente involucrado, sexo de los pacientes, restauraciones coronales y tratamientos endodóncicos previos. Conclusiones: Se puede suponer que las modificaciones en el estilo de vida de la población, sumadas a la angustia permanente, pueden ser factores que contribuyen a las fracturas dentales (AU)

There are cases of symptomatic vertical fractures that warranted the extraction of affected teeth are presented, over a period of five months during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chihuahua City, Mexico. Material and methods: 26 samples were collected for the study, provided by the dentist who were members of the Graduate Group of the Faculty of Dentistry of the Autonomous University of Chihuahua. Results: The results show differences from what was previously reported regarding the type of tooth involved, sex of patients, coronal restorations and previous endodontic treatments. Conclusions: It can be assumed that changes in the lifestyle of the population, added to permanent distress, may be factors to preserve dental fractures (AU)

Occlusal fissures in equine cheek teeth: µCT and histological findings.

Fissures on the occlusal surface of equine cheek teeth are commonly encountered during oral examination. Generally, their presence is considered abnormal but their aetiopathogenesis and clinical impact on pulp disease is still undetermined. The aims of this research were to study the extent of occlusal cheek teeth fissures using high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (µCT) imaging and their histological characteristics. Twenty-seven teeth (of 15 horses) were scanned using µCT imaging to analyse fissure extent. Histological examination of a subset of teeth (n=7) was performed. Forty-three type 1 fissures (35 type 1a, eight type 1b) were identified. The mean length of the fissure of type 1a and type 1b on the occlusal surface was 3.47+/-1.60mm and 13.64+/-7.40mm, respectively. Their mean depth was 13.22+/-10.76mm and 7.42+/-6.42mm, respectively. Potential risk factors associated with fissure depth were identified using a multivariable mixed model The location of the fissure and Triadan number were significantly associated with fissure depth. Fissures could be identified on histological sections with the presence of organic material inside the fissure, microorganisms in the continuation of the fissure extending into the dentinal tubules and the presence of reactionary dentine. This study suggests that fissures can provide a pathway for microorganisms to enter the dentinal tubules, potentially resulting in local pulpal inflammation. It appears that in healthy teeth, vital odontoblasts react by producing reactionary (tertiary) dentin, which lacks patent tubules and thus provides a proper seal.

Equine cheek teeth occlusal fissures: Prevalence, association with dental wear abnormalities and occlusal angles.

BACKGROUND: Fissures of the occlusal surface of equine cheek teeth are commonly encountered during oral examination but their aetiology is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To examine the prevalence and characteristics of occlusal fissures in cadaver teeth. It is hypothesised that their prevalence is influenced by masticatory forces. Consequently, their possible association with wear disorders and occlusal angles were examined. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. METHODS: The dental abnormalities and occlusal fissure findings in the cheek teeth of 143 cadaver heads were recorded. The cheek teeth occlusal angles were measured using the stiff-hinge technique. Multiple regression analyses were performed to establish possible relationships between age, sex, dental wear, occlusal angle and fissure prevalence. RESULTS: Occlusal fissures were found in 103/143 (72%) heads. Sex and age were determining factors in the prevalence of fissures. A similar prevalence was found in mandibular (54.1%) and maxillary teeth (45.9%, OR = 1.10; 95% CI = 0.95-1.29, P = 0.2). Mandibular fissures were more commonly located on the buccal aspect (OR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.16-1.65, P < 0.001), whereas for maxillary fissures there was no difference in prevalence between palatal and buccal aspects (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 0.97-1.46, P = 0.1). Two main fissure types were identified. Type 1a fissures were the most prevalent type (39.5%). No significant correlation was found between the presence of wear abnormalities or the occlusal angle of cheek teeth, and the prevalence of fissures. MAIN LIMITATIONS: No dental histories were available. CONCLUSION: Equine cheek teeth show a high prevalence of occlusal fissures. Despite some evidence of predilection sites on the tooth surface that might indicate a mechanical aetiology for these lesions, no associations were found with wear abnormalities or occlusal angles of affected cheek teeth. Further histological and ultrastructural studies are warranted to elucidate their aetiology and possible role in other dental diseases.

[Influence of Fissure Sealants on Dental Health of Elementary School Children in Weimar - A Longitudinal Observational Study under Real-life Conditions]. / Einfluss der Fissurenversiegelung auf die Zahngesundheit von Weimarer Grundschülern ­ Eine longitudinale Beobachtungsstudie unter Alltagsbedingungen.

The aim of the present observational study was to assess the effect of the number and timing of placing fissure sealants (FS) on caries prevalence in elementary school children under real-life conditions. Methods: Oral health data from 7- to 10-year-old elementary school children (n=505) attending 4 consecutive annual checkups between 2004 and 2009 was extracted from the public health service database. The number of intact FS and the number of teeth affected by caries was scored according to WHO standard (1997). Results: 34.9% pupils had at least one, 10% 4 FS. Children without FS had a higher dental caries rate compared to peers with FS (0.2 DT/0.4 DMFT vs. 0.1 DT/0.2 DMFT). Pupils with 4 FS showed the lowest number of teeth with caries (0 DT/0 DMFT). Children with an early application of FS had a lower D-component than children with a later or missing application (0.1 DT vs. 0.2 DT). Pupils with less than 4 FS had a higher risk of developing caries in their permanent dentition compared to peers with 4 FS (OR 4.36). Conclusion: FS is an effective caries preventive measure under real-life conditions. Early application and sealing of all 4 molars can optimize the prevention of caries in the permanent dentition.

Epidemiological features of patients with nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate in Western Parana

Aim: : To describe the clinical, demographic and environmental features associated with NSCL/P(nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate) patients born in western Parana state, Brazil. Methods: Thiscross-sectional, observational, retrospective study included 188 patients attended at the Associationof Carriers of Cleft Lip and Palate - APOFILAB, Cascavel-Parana, between 2012 and 2014.Information on demographic characteristics, medical and dental histories and life style factors wereobtained from records and personal interviews. Results: Among the 188 patients, cleft lip and palate(CLP) was the most frequent subtype (55.8%), followed by cleft lip only (CLO, 25.0%) and cleft palateonly (CPO, 19.2%). Caucasian males were the most affected, although no differences among typesof cleft were observed. The otorhinolaryngologic and respiratory alterations were the most frequentsystemic alterations in NSCL/P patients, and more than 80% of the NSCL/P mothers reported novitamin supplements during the first trimester of pregnancy. Conclusions: This study revealed thatthe prevalence of nonsyndromic oral cleft types in this cohort was quite similar to previously reportedprevalence rates. Systemic alterations were identified among 23.4% of the patients and patientswith CLP were the most affected. History of maternal exposition to environmental factors related tononsyndromic oral clefts was frequent and most mothers reported no vitamin supplements duringthe pregnancy. This study highlights the importance of identifying systemic alterations and riskfactors associated with NSCL/P in the Brazilian population for planning comprehensive strategiesand integrated actions for the development of preventive programs and treatment.

Activity assessment has little impact on caries parameters reduction in epidemiological surveys with preschool children.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the magnitude of the reduction in caries parameters after inclusion of dental caries activity assessment, in an epidemiological survey of preschool children, involving cavitated and noncavitated caries lesions. METHODS: The survey was carried out in Santa Maria, Brazil, during the National Children's Vaccination Day, and 639 children aged between 12 months and 59 months were included. Fifteen examiners assessed the children based on the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) and additional lesion activity assessment criteria. The mean of decayed surfaces (d-s), the mean of decayed teeth (d-t), caries prevalence, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated, initially by classifying all lesions using the various thresholds defined by the ICDAS. Caries activity status was then evaluated, and inactive lesions were classified as sound in a secondary analysis; subsequently, the same caries parameters, at the same thresholds, were recalculated. The reduction in caries parameters and the number of children requiring assessment to change their classification from decayed to sound (number needed to be assessed) were also calculated. RESULTS: The majority of lesions were classified as active, mainly at cavitated thresholds. When activity was considered, values of all caries parameters decreased. This decrease was more evident at noncavitated thresholds. The number of children requiring assessment to change their classification from decayed to sound was <20 considering all lesions, but this value increased to approximately 100 when we included only cavitated lesions. CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of activity assessment in caries epidemiological surveys has little impact on the d-s, d-t and prevalence of dental caries considering both noncavitated and cavitated lesions.

Caries prevalence of 5, 12 and 15-year-old Greek children: a national pathfinder survey.

AIM: To study the caries prevalence and caries experience of 5, 12 and 15-year-old children in Greece and evaluate how the disease pattern is related to their sociodemographic parameters. METHODS: A stratified cluster sample of 1209, 1224 and 1257 of five, twelve and fifteen-year-old Greek children were randomly selected according to WHO guidelines for national pathfinder surveys and examined for dental caries, according to the BASCD criteria and standards. d3mft, D3MFT and their components, as well as d3mfs, D3MFS, Care Index (CI) and SiC were recorded and related to the demographic data collected concerning age, gender, counties, urban/rural areas and parents' educational status. RESULTS: Dental caries varied considerably between the different districts, with a mean dmft/DMFT value for each age group being 1.77, 2.05 and 3.19 respectively, while 64%, 37% and 29% of them, were with no obvious dentinal caries. Children living in rural areas demonstrated significantly higher dmft/DMFT values and less dental restorative care (CI), whereas children with fathers of a higher educational level showed significantly lower dmft/DMFT values. The significant caries (SIC) index value for the three age groups was 5.01, 4.83 and 7.07 respectively. Posterior occlusal surfaces of the permanent teeth presented most of the caries in the 12 (68%) and 15-year-old group (78%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the decrease in the prevalence of caries in Greek children disparities remain. Children in rural areas and children with less educated parents had more caries and more untreated caries. All the above call for immediate intervention with comprehensive preventive programs and better geographic targeting of the dental services at a national level including targeted prevention of pit and fissure sealants on posterior permanent molars.

Genetic susceptibility to dental caries on pit and fissure and smooth surfaces.

Carious lesions are distributed nonuniformly across tooth surfaces of the complete dentition, suggesting that the effects of risk factors may be surface-specific. Whether genes differentially affect caries risk across tooth surfaces is unknown. We investigated the role of genetics on two classes of tooth surfaces, pit and fissure surfaces (PFS) and smooth surfaces (SMS), in more than 2,600 subjects from 740 families. Participants were examined for surface-level evidence of dental caries, and caries scores for permanent and/or primary teeth were generated separately for PFS and SMS. Heritability estimates (h(2), i.e. the proportion of trait variation due to genes) of PFS and SMS caries scores were obtained using likelihood methods. The genetic correlations between PFS and SMS caries scores were calculated to assess the degree to which traits covary due to common genetic effects. Overall, the heritability of caries scores was similar for PFS (h(2) = 19-53%; p < 0.001) and SMS (h(2) = 17-42%; p < 0.001). Heritability of caries scores for both PFS and SMS in the primary dentition was greater than in the permanent dentition and total dentition. With one exception, the genetic correlation between PFS and SMS caries scores was not significantly different from 100%, indicating that (mostly) common genes are involved in the risk of caries for both surface types. Genetic correlation for the primary dentition dfs (decay + filled surfaces) was significantly less than 100% (p < 0.001), indicating that genetic factors may exert differential effects on caries risk in PFS versus SMS in the primary dentition.

Caries prevalence of permanent teeth: a national survey of children in Iceland using ICDAS.

OBJECTIVES: The Icelandic Oral Health Survey aimed to obtain new national data on the oral health of Icelandic children and teenagers. METHODS: A representative stratified random cluster sample of 2251 Icelandic children in first, seventh and 10th grade, aged approximately 6-, 12- and 15-years old was examined for caries prevalence using the ICDAS criteria. Bite-wing digital radiographs were obtained for the children in 7th and 10th grade. RESULTS: D(3)MFT scores by visual examination of 6-, 12- and 15-year olds were 0.12, 1.43 and 2.78 respectively but when including radiographs, the D(3)MFT rose to 2.11 at 12 years and 4.25 at 15 years. The Significant Caries Index, SiC, by visual examination for 12 and 15 y was 3.7 and 6.7 respectively but was 4.7 for 12 y and 8.9 for 15 y with radiographs. In all age groups and at most disease levels, caries was active in the majority of the lesions (58-100%). The percentage of children with no visually detectable caries at D(3)/D(1) level was 93%/74% for 6 years, 48%/22% for 12 years and 35%/16% for 15 years. When radiographs were included the percentage reduced to 34%/15% for 12 years and 20%/6% for 15 years. Approximately 80% of 12- and 15-year-olds had at least one of their first molars sealed, with the mean number of sealed first molars being 2.2 among 12 y and 2.0 among 15 y. CONCLUSIONS: Caries levels were higher than expected in this national survey and further away from the goals of the National Health Plan for 2010 than anticipated. Caries distribution was skewed with more than half of the children having low caries scores but a wide distribution of caries experience was seen among the remaining population.

Caries patterns in the primary dentition: cluster analysis of a sample of 5169 Arizona children 5-59 months of age.

AIM: Cluster analysis was conducted on data from 5,169 United States (U.S.) Arizona children, age's 5-59-months with the goal of delineating patterns of caries in the primary dentition of pre-school children without a priori pattern definitions. METHODOLOGY: Cluster analyses were conducted using all data for children ages 0-4 years in aggregate: (1) for all subjects, and (2) for subjects without crowned restored teeth. Each of these two sets of analyses consisted of 8 differently specified cluster analyses as a validation procedure. RESULTS: The caries patterns identified from the clustering analysis are: (1) smooth surfaces (other than the maxillary incisor), (2) maxillary incisor, (3) occlusal surfaces of first molars, and (4) pit and fissure surfaces of second molars. CONCLUSION: The cluster analysis findings were consistent with results produced by multidimensional scaling. These cross-validated patterns may represent resulting disease conditions from different risks or the timing of various risk factor exposures. As such, the patterns may be useful case definitions for caries risk factor investigations in children under 60 months of age.

Risk indicators of dental caries in 5-year-old Brazilian children.

OBJECTIVE: To report the prevalence and severity of dental caries and to identify caries risk indicators among gender, clinical and socioeconomic variables in 5-year-old children attending preschools in Piracicaba, Brazil, in 2005. METHOD: The random sample consisted of 728 subjects attending public and private preschools that were examined by a calibrated dentist. Dental caries was measured using WHO criteria. The socioeconomic variables (type of school, monthly family income, number of people living in the household, parents' educational level and home ownership) were collected by means of a parental semi structured questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean dmft was 1.30 (SD=2.47); 62.2% were caries-free. The multiple logistic regression analyses showed that the risk indicators of caries were father's incomplete college education and presence of initial lesion. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of dental caries in 5-year-old preschool attenders in Piracicaba was moderate, and father's educational status below undergraduate level, as well as presence of initial lesions, were risk indicators of the disease.

Risk indicators for early childhood caries in Taiwan.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence, patterns, and etiological factors for caries in children. METHODS: A total of 981 children less than 6 years of age were examined using a dental mirror and explorer. A parent or a caregiver was asked to complete a questionnaire regarding information about the child, the household, and oral hygiene. The prevalence and patterns of dental caries including pit and fissure caries, facial/lingual caries, molar proximal caries, and facial/lingual molar proximal lesions, were analyzed. Each child was classified as caries free or as having one of these four caries patterns. RESULTS: Weighted mean deft was 0.14 at age 2, 2.58 at age 3, 4.41 at age 4, 6.94 at age 5, and 7.31 at age 6. Weighted mean defs was 4.71, 8.44, 16.45 and 18.64 at ages 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively. By age 2, 5.09% of children had caries. By age 6, 89.38% of children had caries. By age 3, 30.02% of children fitted the facial and lingual pattern of caries and by age 6, 52.90% of children fit the 'facial-lingual and molar-proximal' pattern, indicating extensive smooth surface decay. The total prevalence of early childhood caries was 56%. Multivariate-adjusted odds ratios identified factors associated with the high caries experience of the young children and found caries was strongly associated with the lack of proper tooth brushing and high consumption of sweets. Higher caries scores were also associated with areas of low urbanization. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this survey indicated a high level of untreated caries among children in Taiwan.

Caries experience variables as indicators in caries risk assessment in 6-7-year-old Chinese children.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is to investigate variables of the past caries experience as indicators of future caries in a Chinese child population. METHODS: Caries was recorded at baseline and 2 years later in 433, 6-7-year-old Chinese children. Correlation coefficients between variables of the past caries experience and caries increment were calculated. Stepwise logistic regression analyses provided predictor variables. ROC curves presenting sensitivity as function of (100-specificity) were employed to summarize the obtained information. The area under the ROC curves was used as a measure of predictive accuracy. RESULTS: Twelve variables of baseline caries experience had a significant (p

Estrategias preventivas en caries oclusales de niños y adolescentes / Preventive strategies for occlusal caries of children and adolescents

Nuestros estudios epidemiológicos, e inclusive la experiencia de los clínicos, han demostrado reiteradamente que las superficies oclusales de los molares constituyen la localización más frecuente de las caries dentales en niños y adolescentes. El esclarecimiento de las causas que lo determinan es esencial para el desarrollo de diferentes estrategias preventivas. En la última década, diferentes autores han revisado las causas que determinan esta susceptibilidad y a la luz de las nuevas investigaciones se jerarquiza la importancia del examen clínico visual y del control durante los denominados periodos eruptivos o de riesgo (AU)

Dental caries in the primary dentition: assessing prevalence of cavitated and noncavitated lesions.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries in the primary dentition has received renewed attention in recent years because caries in the primary dentition is predictive of later caries experience, and because of efforts to address early childhood caries. More detailed caries diagnostic criteria have been developed and used for the permanent teeth; however, such criteria have not been widely adopted for caries diagnosis in the primary dentition. METHODS: As part of the Iowa Fluoride Study, caries diagnostic criteria were developed specifically for the primary teeth. The criteria included noncavitated (d1) lesions and cavitated (d2-3) lesions. Examinations were conducted on 698 children in the primary dentition by two trained examiners who did duplicate examinations on 11 percent (n = 67) of these children. RESULTS: Interexaminer agreement for any d1 and any d2-3 lesions at the person level was 100 percent. At the tooth level for d1d2-3f, there was 98.5 percent agreement and kappa was .91. For d1 at the tooth level, agreement was 97.0 percent agreement and kappa = .24. For d2-3 it was 99.4 percent agreement and kappa = .81. Prevalence of untreated d2-3 was 16.5 percent, while that of d1 was 24.1 percent. Nearly 73 percent had no d2-3 or filled surfaces, while over 63 percent had no d1, d2-3, or filled surfaces. Decay experience was most common on the primary second molars. About 56 percent of untreated d2-3 decay was located in the pits and fissures, while 58 percent of d1 decay was located on smooth surfaces. CONCLUSION: Despite some concern with reliability of diagnosing d1 lesions, it appears that the d1d2-3 criteria are informative and useful in assessing the primary dentition.

A longitudinal study of occlusal caries among schoolchildren in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical caries status and the radiographic progression of occlusal caries lesions in permanent first and second molars among primary schoolchildren in Dar es Salaam over a 3-year period. METHODS: Clinical and radiographic diagnosis of caries in first and second permanent molars in 223 children aged 8-16 years were carried out annually from 1994 to 1997. The drop-out rates from the baseline in 1994 to the follow-up examinations in 1995, 1996 and 1997 were 16.6%, 22.0% and 35.4%, respectively. Twenty-one percent of the dropouts were picked up during the study. RESULTS: Less that 5% of all occlusal surfaces that were sound at the beginning of the study developed new clinical caries lesions over the 3-year study period. The highest rate of new lesions was found in second molars. The mandibular second molars were most frequently affected by new caries lesions followed by the mandibular first molars. Progression of lesions was generally slow. After 1, 2 and 3 years, 30.0%, 47.9% and 52.8% of lesions in occlusal surfaces of first molars had progressed, compared to 47.9%, 71.3% and 100.0% of lesions in second molars. CONCLUSIONS: Dental caries prevalence was low. New occlusal lesions were more likely to appear in mandibular second molars. Carious lesions were progressing slowly, especially in the first molars. Fissure abrasion may play a role in minimizing the risk of developing new occlusal lesions as well as progression of existing lesions.

Correlación entre el índice de placa de superficies libres e índice de placa oclusal en niñas / Correlation between free surfaces plaque index and occlusal plaque index in girls

El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la asociación y correlación entre el índice de placa oclusal e índice de placa de Loe y Silness en un grupo de niñas entre 6 y 12 años de edad que asisten a una Escuela Hogar de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Fue registrado el índice de placa de Loe y Silness (IP), en 309 molares y premolares, en las superficies vestibular, mesial, distal y lingual o palatino. En las mismas piezas fue registrado el índice de placa oclusal (IPO) según Macucho M. E. y colaboradores. (J. Dent. Res. 78(5): Abstr. 77, 1999). Se realizó la media aritmética y error estándar, X2, coeficiente de correlación de Spearman y distribución de frecuencia de ambos índices. Los resultados mostraron un índice de placa oclusal e índice de superficies libres de Loe de X 1,65+-0,10 y 1,42+-0,08 respectivamente. Se observó asociación y correlación significativa (p<0,001) entre ambos índices: X2: 10,69; rho 0,49. La distribución de frecuencia de ambos índices en molares y premolares muestran algunas concordancias entre los grados de severidad de placa. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que si bien hay asociaciones y correlaciones, el registro simultáneo permitiría la obtención de índices de placa que incluyan todas las superficies dentarias (AU)

A two-year longitudinal study of dental caries in permanent first molars of Korean elementary schoolchildren.

OBJECTIVE: This longitudinal study investigated dental caries increment in permanent first molars of Korean elementary schoolchildren. METHODS: A convenience sample of 722 children aged 7-9 years attending one urban elementary school was examined at baseline, with follow-up examinations at one and two years. Coronal surfaces of permanent first molars were scored with regard to caries experience and sealant status. RESULTS: Among sound occlusal surfaces at baseline, 21 percent of upper and 25 percent of lower surfaces developed caries during the two-year interval. In teeth that erupted between baseline and the first follow-up exam, over 10 percent of occlusal surfaces developed caries. Pit and fissure caries accounted for 93 percent of all new carious surfaces, while sealants had been placed on 16 percent of occlusal surfaces during the study. CONCLUSIONS: Recognizing the limitations of this convenience sample, dental sealants should be used more widely in this Korean population, and should be applied soon after tooth eruption.