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Dental caries: is it an extinct disease?
1Department of Dental Research, University of Rochester, N.Y. 14642.
Journal of the American Dental Association (1939)
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Dental caries, or tooth decay, is a lifelong condition affecting most adults. Continuous prevention strategies are crucial for maintaining oral health throughout all life stages, particularly for the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Public Health
- Gerontology
Background:
- Dental caries (tooth decay) affects a significant portion of the adult population.
- While many children are caries-free, adult tooth decay remains prevalent.
- Caries progression is a continuous process throughout life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the persistent nature of dental caries from childhood to adulthood.
- To emphasize the necessity of ongoing caries prevention strategies.
- To underscore the importance of oral health in an aging population.
Main Methods:
- This study is a review of existing epidemiological data on dental caries prevalence.
- Analysis of age-specific caries-free statistics in the United States.
- Assessment of the lifelong trajectory of dental caries.
Main Results:
- Nearly 50% of U.S. children (5-17 years) are caries-free.
- Less than 5% of U.S. adults (18-65 years) have no tooth decay.
- Caries prevalence increases significantly with age.
Conclusions:
- Dental caries is a persistent health issue across the lifespan.
- Continuous and lifelong caries prevention is essential for all age groups.
- Special attention to caries prevention is needed for the aging population to maintain oral health.