The relation between the mesio-distal crown widths of the deciduous second molars and the permanent first molars

Background: This study aimed to find whether there is a relation between the mesio-distal crown diameters of the deciduous second molars and the permanent first molars in an Iraqi sample from Baghdad city. Material and methods: The sample consisted of 54 Iraqi children aged 8-9 years at the mixed dentition stage. The measurements included the mesio-distal crown width of the deciduous second molars and the permanent first molars on the study casts using digital sliding vernier. Results: The results revealed absence of the side difference of the widths of teeth measured. High significant gender difference was detected for the permanent first molars and the deciduous second molars except mandibular permanent first molar. On the other hand, high significant difference was found between the maxillary and mandibular arches for the permanent first molars and the deciduous second molars except for the permanent first molar in males. A direct strong significant correlation was found between the width of the permanent first molars and the deciduous second molars. Conclusion: The findings of the present study may be used as predictive factor for tooth – jaw disharmony and the possibility for the crowding in the future.