Prevalence and distribution of hypodontia in a group of Bengali pediatric population

Abstract

Background: Hypodontia or congenitally missing teeth are one of the most common dental anomalies. Its prevalence and distribution vary among populations. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence and distribution of hypodontia in the permanent dentition of a group of Bengali pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 716 pediatric patients (373 boys and 343 girls) aged 10 to 14 years were investigated radiographically for hypodontia. The data were analyzed using the Fisher exact test and the Chi square test. Results: The prevalence of hypodontia was 4.7% ( n = 34). The girls showed a higher prevalence of congenitally missing teeth than boys (5.2 vs. 4.2%), although this difference was not statistically significant. The number of missing teeth ranged from one to five, and 47% had one missing tooth. Conclusion: Prevalence of hypodontia in the Bengali pediatric population was 4.7%. Incisor and premolar hypodontia was observed in this study. The most frequently missing teeth shown in the present study was not in accordance with most of the Caucasian and Asian studies.