Trends in the prevalence of dental caries in Israel

This study's objective was to assess the prevalence of dental caries in five-year-olds and twelve-year-olds in Jerusalem, Israel. A total of 166 children comprised the younger group; and 147 children represented the twelve- to thirteen-year-olds. Examinations took place in the classrooms under natural lighting, using a mouth mirror and a probe. It was found that 27.7 percent of the younger children were caries-free, with a mean dif(t) value of 3.65 +/- 3.58. At the age of twelve years, only 4.8 percent were caries-free, with a mean DMF (T) value of 4.9 +/- 3.09. Nearly 58 percent of these carious permanent teeth had been treated. In Jerusalem, fluoridation of the water supply was implemented only recently. There are signs of increased public awareness of prevention methods.