Changes in caries prevalence in Ashkelon, Israel, children 1980-1994

During the 14 years from 1980 to 1994, a marked reduction in caries prevalence was noted in Ashkelon. In the 7-year-old age group, the percentage of caries free children increased from 21 per cent to 29 per cent and the dmft dropped from 3.5 to 2.7. In the 13-year-old group there was also a marked improvement. The percentage of caries free children increased by 16 per cent (from 30 per cent to 35 per cent) with a marked reduction in the DMFT, from 2.3 to 1.9. The DT component halved from 1.8 to 0.9, with a marked rise in the FT component from 0.4 to 1.1. There is less decay and much less untreated dental decay in Ashkelon today than in 1980.