author = {Reddy, N. and Daneswari, V. and Shruti, G. and Reddy, Harivinder. and Reddy, Ajay. and Reddy, Srikanth.}, title = {{Premature loss of primary teeth on arch dimensions in 6- to 10-year-old schoolchildren in Khammam town, Telangana state}}, journal ={International Journal of Pedodontic Rehabilitation}, volume ={3}, number ={2}, pages = {67-71}, doi = {10.4103/ijpr.ijpr_28_17}, year = {2018}, abstract ={ Background: The primary dentition plays a very important role in the child's growth and development, not only in terms of speech, chewing, appearance, and prevention of habits but also in the guidance and eruption of permanent teeth. Aim and Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of premature loss of primary teeth in 6- to 10-year-old schoolchildren in Khammam town, Telangana state, India. Settings and Design: A total of 1200 schoolchildren (600 boys and 600 girls) between 6 and 10 years of age were randomly selected for the study. Materials and Methods: An experienced examiner performed all clinical examinations under natural light. Data including age and missing tooth were collected. Alginate impressions of the study population with the missing teeth were taken, and diagnostic casts were prepared. Statistical Analysis: Microsoft Excel/2000 (Microsoft Office XP) data spreadsheet was used and later exported to the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) for Windows (version 10.0). Descriptive statistics were applied, and from the results, Chi-square tests were applied at a level of statistical significance of 5% (P < 0.05). Results: The prevalence of premature loss of primary teeth was 13.5% of the study sample. It was higher in 8-year-olds, and lower right first primary molars were the most commonly affected teeth. Conclusion: The prevalence of premature loss of primary teeth was high, and the lower primary molars were the most commonly missing teeth. Dental caries was main reason for premature loss of primary teeth followed by trauma. }, URL ={https://www.ijpedor.org/article.asp?issn=2468-8932;year=2018;volume=3;issue=2;spage=67;epage=71;aulast=Reddy;t=6}, eprint ={https://www.ijpedor.org/article.asp?issn=2468-8932;year=2018;volume=3;issue=2;spage=67;epage=71;aulast=Reddy;t=6} }