The prevalence of dental caries in Slovenia in 1987 and 1993

Two national oral pathfinder surveys were conducted in the Republic of Slovenia in 1987 (1623 subjects) and 1993 (1567 subjects). The assessment forms used in the surveys were those of the World Health Organization. Persons aged 6, 12, 15, 18, 35-44 and 65 years or older were examined in all nine geographical areas of Slovenia. The results showed that caries prevalence declined in all the age groups except the oldest one. Mean DMFT changed from 5.2 to 3.9 (dmft) at age 6 years, from 5.1 to 2.6 at 12 years, from 10.2 to 5.6 at 15 years, from 12.9 to 8.8 at 18 years, from 20.5 to 19.0 at 35-44 years, and from 27.0 to 28.0 in persons aged 65 years or older. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05) for all the age groups except the last two. The proportion with caries-free primary teeth increased from 13 per cent to 30 per cent for 6-year-old children and for permanent teeth, from 6 per cent to 31 per cent for 12-year-old children. The substantial decline in caries is attributed to the widespread use of fluoridated dentifrices, the distribution of fluoride tablets to children and expectant mothers, topical application of an amine fluoride gel in schoolchildren, and an extensive fissure-sealing programme.