Changes in Swedish dental health 1968-91

Studies of changes in dental health are essential in discussions of national health policy matters. In the Level of Living Survey representative samples of the population aged 18-75 were interviewed in 1968, 1974, 1981, and 1991. In the 1991 survey those aged 76+ were also interviewed. Between all the four waves of the survey edentulousness and partial edentulousness decreased and the proportion of persons with teeth with many fillings, crowns or bridges increased. After 1974 the proportion of persons with teeth in good condition with few or no fillings also increased. The fall in edentulousness indicated a greater improvement in dental health than did the rise of the proportion of people with teeth in good condition. Age-specific comparisons showed that the change affected older people most. The largest fall in edentulousness and partial edentulousness was in ages above 50. This fall led to a nearly equal increase in the same ages of persons that had teeth with many fillings, crowns or bridges. This has meant that dental care needs have risen among older people in particular. The results are discussed in connection with the national dental health insurance scheme which was introduced in 1974.