PREVALENCE AND ETIOLOGY OF NON-THIRD MOLAR PERICORONITIS IN CHILDREN IN PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Pericoronitis is among one of the localized intraoral inflammatory processes, which is triggered by the infection of the gingival tissue overlying or surrounding the erupting or partially erupted tooth. It is usually linked with the mandibular third molars eruption, however it can also be seen with any erupting teeth. Symptoms of the pericoronitis critically affect the daily life style of individuals. The data on the prevalence of pericoronitis is very limited. The prevalence varies among different studies. Thus, this research study aimed to find out the prevalence and causes of non-third molar pericoronitis among children aged 7 to 15 years in Peshawar, Pakistan. Data regarding cases of pericoronitis affecting non-third molars in children of age 7-15 years were collected from different Dental Clinics in Peshawar through questionnaire. The medical and demographic history including age and gender was recorded. Various symptoms of pericoronitis such as swelling, pain, bad breath, fever, difficulty in chewing and breathing were also recorded. The prevalence rate of non-third molar pericoronitis in children was determined using percentages. All the study records of questionnaire were organized, compiled in EXCEL sheet and analyzed statistically. The mean and standard deviation for all the quantitative variables was calculated. A total of 114 children visiting dental clinics in Peshawar, were analyzed for non-third molar pericoronitis. Among 114 (100 %) children, 7 (6.14 %) children were diagnosed with non-third molar pericoronitis. The positive cases include 1 (14.28 %) female and 6 (85.71 %) male patients. The age range was 7-15 years. The mean age was 12.14 years, which showed that most of the cases lie in this age range. Furthermore, the standard deviation was 1.21 years. The male-to-female ratio in positive cases was 6:1. The most common symptoms associated with non-third molar pericoronitis were localized pain, swelling and difficulty in chewing. All these symptoms were mild-to-severe in all the 7 positive cases. Localized pain and swelling were observed in 5 (83.3 %) male patients and 1 (100 %) female patient. Whereas, difficulty in chewing was observed in all male and female patients. According to the questionnaire data, all the patients including 1 female and 6 male patients received treatment for non-third molar pericoronitis, which consisted of medication for pain relief from general dentist. The treatment was effective in alleviating symptoms and providing pain relief to all the patients. In conclusion, the prevalence of non-third molar pericoronitis is very low. Children of age below 15 years are at higher risk