Dental caries: is it an extinct disease?

Article Abstract:

The widespread belief that dental caries (decay of the teeth) is no longer a health threat is simply erroneous. In spite of advances in caries prevention, more than 95 percent of adults continue to have caries. A survey from 1986 to 1987 showed that the average number of teeth decayed, missing, or filled (DMFs) in children between 5 and 17 years of age was 3.07. DMFs are more common in people of certain ages; for instance, 17-year-olds had an average of eight. More than half of all dental decay occurs in approximately 20 percent of the population. Overall, people aged 45 to 49 had the highest prevalence of DMFs (31). The Northwest and New England had the highest prevalence of caries at 25.2 and 25.4, respectively: the Southwest had the lowest at 17.4. Regional differences in caries of the root-surface are also presented. In general, the rates of tooth loss and untreated caries are low. Because people now live longer and keep their teeth longer than ever before, it is likely that caries will increase in prevalence in the coming years. Dental decay is becoming less frequent in young populations. Fluoridation of water and the use of fluoridated toothpaste have contributed to the overall improvement. Health aspects of these practices are reviewed. The decline in tooth decay rates may also be affected by the overall decline in diseases caused by streptococcal organisms, known to have taken place in recent decades. Increased consumption of soft drinks and ice cream, which has occurred in recent years, increases the exposure of the mouth to food preservatives that are also antibacterial agents. Research concerning caries should attempt to identify groups in the worldwide population that are at high risk. While young people have a lower caries incidence than ever, the rate among adults continues to rise. Dental decay continues to be an important public health problem. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

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Dental caries and sealant usage in U.S. children, 1988-1991: selected findings from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Article Abstract:

Cavity incidence in children appears to be continuing to fall, and the use of sealants appears to be rising. As part of a national health survey conducted from 1988 to 1991, 5,115 children ages 2 to 17 years were examined for cavities and the use of dental sealants. Over 60% of children under age 10 had no cavities in their baby teeth. Overall 55% of youths aged 5 to 17 had cavity-free permanent teeth, one-third of children aged 12 to 17 and three-quarters of children aged 5 to 11. Only 1.4% of children aged 2 to 11 had one or more sealed baby teeth, but 18.5% of children aged 5 to 17 had at least one sealed permanent tooth. In a 1971-1974 survey, only 26% of children aged 6 to 17 had cavity-free permanent teeth, and in a 1986-1987 survey, 7.6% of children aged 5 to 17 had at least one sealed baby or permanent tooth.

Children, Child health

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Sociodemographic distribution of pediatric dental caries: NHANES III, 1988-1994

Article Abstract:

Poor and minority children have substantially more dental decay than advantaged children. Using data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) on the health of 10,332 children, researchers determined that 79% of teeth were decayed in the poorest children with some tooth decay, while 45% were decayed in children from households earning three or more times the federal poverty level of income. Untreated tooth decay was also more common in black and Mexican-American children than in white children and those from higher-income families.

Poor children, African American children, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (Statistical work), Mexican American children, Pedodontics, Pediatric dentistry

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