فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

Background: Evaluation of proximal contacts in primary teeth is crucial, as variations in contact morphology influence caries susceptibility and the maintenance of arch integrity. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of OXIS contact areas between primary molars using intraoral photographic records among 5–8-year-old schoolchildren in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh. The OXIS classification provides a systematic approach for evaluating interproximal morphology in primary dentition and can be considered an important caries risk factor in primary molars. Methods: Two schools were selected using convenience sampling. After obtaining informed consent, intraoral camera images of caries-free proximal contacts in all quadrants were obtained. Two calibrated examiners independently assessed contact types based on the OXIS classification. Data were analyzed to determine the prevalence and distribution of contact types with respect to age, gender, and dental arch. Results: A total of 399 proximal contact areas in 156 children were examined. The overall distribution of OXIS contacts was: I-type (46.1%), S-type (29.8%), X-type (22.3%), and O-type (1.7%). Significant differences in contact type distribution were observed between maxillary and mandibular arches and across age groups. A decreasing trend in O-type contacts and increasing frequencies of I- and X-type contacts were observed with advancing age, particularly between 6 and 7 years. Conclusion: I-type contact was the most prevalent, followed by S-type, X-type, and O-type. The age-related shift in contact morphology highlights the importance of monitoring proximal contacts during mixed dentition, as they have implications for caries risk, space maintenance, and occlusal development. These findings provide valuable epidemiological evidence to guide preventive strategies and pediatric dental care.