[Seamen and dental health. Studies of tooth status among naval staff and merchant seamen. A review]

Abstract

Dental health among Norwegian seamen, based on clinical examinations (Table 2) and interviews have been studied. Interview findings from eight ships in overseas trade indicated that the occupational conditions of seafarers caused irregular use of dental services (Table 3) and poor dental health compared with that of the general population. In an epidemiological survey comprising 431 Norwegian seamen in overseas trade, these indications were supported (Table 1 and Table 2). Approximately every fifth of the male seafarers aged 20 years or more had visited the dentist annually during the last five years. In a subsample of 212 subjects who were examined both clinically and radiographically, the number of decayed teeth averaged 6.1. It is concluded that regular dental check-up as well as delivery of dental services should be provided through the established health centers for seamen.