Prevalence of Carious Lesions on Interproximal Surfaces in Primary Molars based on the OXIS Classification in 3-6 Year Old Children: A Cross Sectional Pilot Study

Abstract

 Aim: The advent of the OXIS classification gives a new perspective on the type of interproximal areas in the primary dentition. There is a definite need to understand the prevalence of caries in the various types of interproximal contact areas in a pediatric population, as it is useful in indicating the potential risk for proximal caries. By observing the prevalence of carious lesions in proximal contacts based on the OXIS classification we can obtain insightful information on caries severity and the pattern of spread.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of interproximal caries in contact areas of primary molars using OXIS classification in children belonging to 3-6 years of age. Materials and Methods: Twenty eight children were examined using a mouth mirror and probe under natural light and photographs were taken for cross verification and registration purposes. Contact region between the distal surface of the primary first molar and the mesial surface of the primary second molar was evaluated based on the OXIS criteria.  Results: A total of 53 children participated in the study where 152 contacts areas were examined. The distribution of sample across the various types of interproximal surfaces between the 1st and 2nd molar among all the arches were observed and a chi square test was performed to check for significance. From this data ‘O’ type was 19, ‘X’ type was 25, ‘I’ type was 76, ‘S’ type was 32 but the values were not statistically significant. We can infer that most of the interproximal surfaces were of the I type and found mostly in the lower arch. Conclusion: The results of the study demonstrate that the absence of interdental spaces in the primary dentition is associated with an increase in the risk of dental caries. Among the four types of contacts, the most common type was  I and was highly prevalent for dental caries. Clinical Significance: We can obtain insightful information on caries severity and the pattern of spread.