METHOD: The material consisted of extractions from hospital records of all patients who are first time attenders at UBTH oral diagnosis unit between July- October 1989 and July -October 2003. The information obtained included the name ,age, sex , date of presentation, presenting complaints and oral findings at first attendance , treament done and recall appointments .Children between the ages 1-12 years old with early loss of primary teeth due to dental caries and other causes were studied .
RESULTS: There is statistical significant difference between male and female patients attendance in 1989( P<0.05) compared to 2003 in which attendance was similar .Extraction of primary teeth and total tooth loss was significantly higher in 1989 compared to year 2003 (P<0.05) . Early loss of primary teeth was most common with second primary molars in 1989(63.3%) and 2003(63..6%) respectively with its attendant consequences of delayed eruption of second premolar and potential crowding .
CONCLUSION: The second primary molars accounted for most of the teeth loss .Early loss of the second primary molar is a potential cause of crowding in the premolar region with its orthodontic implications .In this study, reduction in the total loss of the primary teeth is an indication of increase dental awareness in the populace.