Timing and sequence of permanent tooth emergence in Hungarian children

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to provide new population-specific standards for permanent tooth emergence in a large sample of Hungarian children. Materials and methods In this cross-sectional survey records of students from 8 randomly selected elementary schools and 2 kindergartens were examined. Data obtained from 2948 children (1487 boys and 1461 girls), aged between 4 and 15 years, were analyzed statistically. Probit regression analysis was used to calculate medians and percentiles of emergence ages for each tooth except 3rd molars for boys, girls and for the total sample. Results Permanent teeth were found to emerge earlier in girls than in boys. The difference was statistically significant for all teeth, except the mandibular central incisor. The greatest difference was observed in the case of mandibular canines. The emergence of mandibular teeth preceded maxillary ones, except premolars. No statistically significant differences were found between the right and left sides. The emergence sequence of permanent teeth was different for the two sexes. Conclusions This is the first time we report data on the eruption of permanent teeth from Hungary. The findings of this survey seem to correspond to earlier studies performed in Caucasian child populations. We experienced deviations compared to international standards. Clinical relevance: The population-specific data reported in this paper can serve as standards in paediatric dentistry, orthodontics and forensic age estimation when assessing permanent tooth emergence in Hungarian children.