Changing trends in dental caries experience in Great Britain

Periodic national surveys of dental health since 1968, and a coordinated program of local surveys of children since 1985, have provided a comprehensive picture of trends in dental caries experience in Great Britain over the course of two decades. This review of some of the findings examines changes in adult caries experience, together with the related phenomenon of total tooth loss; presents evidence of a cohort effect in the decline in caries among children and young adults; and considers likely future trends and their implications for the dental services. Conclusions drawn were: (1) Although the proportion of the population with no natural teeth is declining rapidly among young adults, levels of edentulousness among older age groups will remain high for some time to come; (2) in England and Wales, a modest decline in caries experience of young adults between 1968 and 1978 accelerated between 1978 and 1988 [The greatest change in annual rate of reduction over two decades was in 16-24-year-olds, and in absolute terms, mean DMFT in this age group decreased from 15.7 to 10.4 during the period.]; (3) a cohort effect is discernible in the changing pattern [Thus, caries has apparently stabilized in young children, whereas in adolescents and young adults the rate of decline has increased.]; and (4) smaller improvements in dental health have occurred in Scotland than in England and Wales.