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Trends in total caries experience: permanent and primary teeth.
1American Dental Association, Health Policy Resources Center, Chicago, Ill. 60611, USA.
Journal of the American Dental Association (1939)
|February 19, 2000
Summary
Childhood caries (cavities) have significantly decreased in the U.S. since the 1970s. This trend indicates a shift in dental care towards prevention and maintaining healthy teeth.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Dental Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- This study examines recent trends in dental caries prevalence among U.S. children.
- It is the final article in a three-part series on childhood caries status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze changes in the total number of carious teeth (treated and untreated) in children and adolescents.
- To compare caries data from two distinct National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES).
Main Methods:
- Analysis of NHANES I and NHANES III data.
- Focus on children aged 6-18 years for permanent teeth and 2-10 years for primary teeth.
- Inclusion of both treated and untreated carious teeth in the analysis.
Main Results:
- A 57.2% decrease in carious permanent teeth among 6-18 year olds (from 4.44 to 1.90).
- A 39.7% decrease in carious primary teeth among 2-10 year olds (from 2.29 to 1.38).
Conclusions:
- Substantial decline in both permanent and primary carious teeth in U.S. children since the 1970s.
- Effective caries prevention strategies have led to this reduction.
- Future dental practice will emphasize maintaining healthy dentition over restorative treatments.