Objective:

to describe the behavior, distribution, and severity of lesions on the occlusal surfaces of the second permanent molars. Relate it to its stage of eruption and presence of activity in the rest of oral cavity.

Methodology:

A descriptive study was conducted in a convenience sample of 100 adolescents of both sexes (mean age = 13.39 ± 0.94 years). The parents answered a questionnaire on socioeconomic characteristics and general health, and the adolescents, one on food and hygiene habits. Two calibrated examiners recorder caries according to ICDAS II on all the dental surfaces . They also mapped the occlusal surface and eruption stage of the second permanent molars.

Results:

the prevalence of caries was 97%, and the extension (modified DMFT) was 8.45 ± 5.10. Eighty-two percent of the adolescents with caries experience had active lesions, and 62% of those with caries had lesions only on the occlusal surfaces of the second permanent molars. A higher prevalence of active caries lesions was observed in eruption stages I and II of the second permanent molars. The most affected sites were the central and mesial fossa and the central and distal fossa.

Conclusions:

Active molar eruption entails a risk stage that should be considered when prioritizing and developing oral health programs.

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