Abstracto

A Commentary on the First Permanent Molar in Children and its Importance

Abdulkadeer M Jetpurwala

The First Permanent Molar (FPM) is the first permanent tooth to be erupted in the oral cavity of a child and its eruption is not preceded by the exfoliation of any deciduous tooth. It is also observed to be one of the most commonly decayed permanent teeth in the oral cavity. Hargreaves and Chester had shown that over 80% of occlusal surfaces of FPM were carious within 2 years of eruption. Early eruption of FPM, its posterior position in the oral cavity, along with faulty eating habits in children makes the FPM highly susceptible to dental decay.