Related Experiment Videos
Caries prevalence in Belgian children: a review
J Vanobbergen1, L Martens, D Declerk
1Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium. jacques.vannobbergen@rug.ac.be
International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry
|August 4, 2001
Summary
Dental caries prevalence in Belgian children has declined significantly over 20 years. This trend suggests that World Health Organization (WHO) goals for oral health may have been met in some regions.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Pediatric Dentistry
Background:
- Limited epidemiological studies on dental caries in Belgian children exist.
- Methodological variations and socio-demographic factors complicate national comparisons of caries data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review epidemiological surveys on dental caries prevalence in Belgian children from 1980-1999.
- To assess trends in dental caries and compare them with World Health Organization (WHO) goals.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of epidemiological surveys on dental caries in Belgian children (1980-1999).
- Analysis of dmft (decayed, missing, filled teeth) in primary dentition and DMFT in permanent dentition.
Main Results:
- A notable decline in caries prevalence was observed in 5, 7, and 12-year-old Belgian schoolchildren.
- DMFT values decreased significantly: 5-year-olds (2.66 to 1.38), 7-year-olds (4.1 to 2.24), and 12-year-olds (3.9 to 1.93).
- WHO 2000 goals appear met in Flanders, with 56% of 5-year-olds being caries-free.
Conclusions:
- Dental caries prevalence has decreased in Belgian children over the past two decades.
- Standardized criteria and sampling are crucial for future national and international comparisons.
- Further research is needed to represent the oral health of the entire Flemish and Walloon communities.