Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
Published on: December 31, 2017
A marked difference in caries prevalence between 5-year-old children in two areas of Staffordshire, England
Insights
Rural children in Staffordshire experienced 44% less dental caries than urban children. This difference in tooth decay was not fully explained by dental cleanliness, social class, or fluoride levels, suggesting other factors like tooth resistance may be involved.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Public Health
Background:
- Dental caries (tooth decay) is a significant public health concern in children.
- Geographical variations in caries prevalence are often observed, influenced by socioeconomic and environmental factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the dental caries experience of 5-year-old children in urban versus rural areas of Staffordshire, England.
- To investigate potential contributing factors to observed differences in caries prevalence.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study comparing dental caries experience (dmf) in urban (n=161) and rural (n=124) 5-year-old children.
- Data collected on dental cleanliness, social class, and water fluoride levels.
- Statistical analysis to determine significant differences in caries experience.
Main Results:
- Rural children exhibited 44% less dental caries experience (P < 0.01).
- Differences in caries were more pronounced in children with fair and poor dental cleanliness.
- Socioeconomic status varied, with a higher proportion of rural children in higher social classes (1+2).
- Significant caries differences were noted within specific social classes (3N, 3M).
- Water fluoride levels were below 0.20 parts/10^6 in both areas.
Conclusions:
- Geographical disparities in dental caries exist between urban and rural children in Staffordshire.
- Dental cleanliness and social class partially explain the differences, but not entirely.
- The study hypothesizes that inherent tooth resistance may differ between the populations.
- Further research is recommended to confirm these findings and explore underlying mechanisms.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to compare the dental caries experience of 5-year-old children in an urban and rural area of Staffordshire, England. The populations comprised 365 children and 206 children, respectively. 161 children in the urban area and 124 children from the rural area were examined. Those in the rural area had 44% less dental caries experience (P less than 0.01). The mean dmf of children with good dental cleanliness was similar in each area but there was a 39% and 33% interarea difference between those with fair and poor standards of dental cleanliness. A larger proportion in the rural area belonged to social classes 1 + 2 and fewer to social classes 4 + 5. A significant difference in dmf (P less than 0.01) between the areas in social classes 3N and 3M was found. Water supplies had less than 0.20 parts/10(6) fluoride. The interarea difference in caries prevalence cannot be fully explained by consideration of the variables of dental cleanliness, social class and waterborne fluoride. It is hypothesized that tooth resistance may differ between the areas. The study will be repeated to confirm the findings.
