Abstract
Introduction: Eruption chronology of primary teeth can be a very valuable asset in the diagnosis and treatment planning of children in the field of dentistry.
Aim: The present study aimed to determine the mean eruption time and sequence of eruption of primary teeth in South Indian children.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study from September 2017 to December 2018 involved a random sample of 954 South Indian children (452 boys and 502 girls) aged six to thirty-six months. The mean age of eruption for each tooth was calculated using the Karber method, as modified by Hayes and Mantel. The student t-test was used to assess possible differences in the mean age of primary teeth eruption between males and females for both the maxilla and mandible.
Results: The mandibular central incisors were the first teeth to erupt with an overall mean eruption time of 10.3 +/- 0.6 months. Girls displayed significant earlier eruption of first primary molar in both the maxilla and the mandible (p<0.05).
Conclusion: South Indian children experienced delayed eruption of primary teeth when compared to their counterparts in other populations. Data from the present study can be used as a reference. The mean age of eruption was 10.2 +/- 0.79 months in boys and 10.4 +/- 0.38 months in girls. All the teeth, except canines and first molars emerged earlier in the mandible in both the genders.