Socioeconomic and nutritional factors associated with age of eruption of third molar tooth among Ugandan adolescents

Abstract

This study aimed to establish the influence of socioeconomic and nutritional factors on the age of eruption of the mandibular third molar among Ugandans aged 10-20 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in a dental clinic of Mulago Hospital between January and December 2017. The background information was obtained from the participants using a questionnaire in the form of an oral interview. The anthropometric measurements were obtained using a tape measure and a weighing scale, while dental radiographs were used to determine the eruption stages of the mandibular third molar. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: < 0.05. RESULTS: > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study reveal that overweight influences early eruption of the mandibular third molar tooth, although there is no trend between socioeconomic status and the age of eruption of the mandibular third molar.