Caries prevalence in the United Kingdom

Area of Science:

• Dental Public Health
• Epidemiology of Oral Diseases

Background:

• National surveys since 1973 have tracked dental caries trends in children in England and Wales.
• Significant declines in caries experience were observed between 1973 and 1993 across various age groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in dental caries experience among children in England and Wales.
• To discuss potential explanations for recent changes in caries prevalence.
• To recommend strategies for maintaining dental health gains.

Main Methods:

• Utilized decennial national surveys by the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys.
• Incorporated regionally coordinated surveys by the British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry.
• Analyzed data on caries experience in deciduous and permanent teeth for specific age groups.

Main Results:

• Documented a substantial decline in caries: 55% in 5-year-olds' deciduous teeth, 75% in 12-year-olds' permanent teeth, and 74% in 14-year-olds' permanent teeth between 1973 and 1993.
• Recent surveys indicate a plateau or increase in caries in younger children and a slowed decline in adolescents since the late 1980s.
• Observed significant regional disparities and a worsening caries experience in lower socio-economic groups.

Conclusions:

• The trend of declining dental caries in children has stalled, with potential increases observed.
• Disparities in caries experience exist across regions and socio-economic statuses.
• Vigorous pursuit of population preventive methods, such as water fluoridation, is recommended to secure future dental health.