Dental caries experience in a Connecticut Head Start program in 1991 and 1999

Reports from most industrialized countries suggest that dental caries in children has been declining over the last 50 years. However, this trend may be reversing, especially in younger children. The aim of the present study was to compare caries levels and patterns of 3- and 4-year-old Head Start children observed in 1999 with those observed in 1991.

Clinical dental caries data were collected from 517 children enrolled in the Hartford, Conn, Head Start program in 1999 and compared to similar data from 311 children attending the same Head Start program in 1991. No radiographs were used in either sample.

In 1999, a mean dmft score of 1.49 and a caries prevalence of 38% was found compared to 1.68 and 49%, respectively, in 1991. When only those with caries were considered, both the mean dmft and mean dmfs were greater in 1999 than in 1991. In 1999, 57% of carious surfaces were treated compared to only 39% in 1991. Furthermore, this increased treatment was seen predominantly in those with greatest severity of disease. When the patterns of disease were analyzed, children in 1999 had greater levels and severity of maxillary anterior caries compared to 1991. No differences in pit and fissure caries and posterior proximal caries were observed.

The overall prevalence of dental caries in the study population was less in 1999 than 1991, however, those with disease experienced a greater severity.