Changes in the prevalence of dental disease. Bureau of Economic and Behavioral Research, Council on Dental Health and Health Planning

Abstract

The literature currently available indicate that there have been substantial improvements in at least four areas of dental diseases: dental caries, root surface caries, edentulousness, and periodontal disease. Oral cancer appears to have remained stable. The literature on craniofacial anomalies, malocclusions, and traumatic injuries is such that similar statements cannot be made. Although decreases have been observed in caries, root surface caries, edentulousness, and periodontal disease, the improvements have occurred largely within the white population. Caries, for example, has been significantly reduced because of water fluoridation, fluoride dentifrices, and perhaps some changes in dietary patterns. Nevertheless, the disease continues to increase with age, although the cumulative effect of fluorides lowers the overall magnitude. The sheer numbers will still be substantial. For a variety of reasons, dental disease still remains substantially high in the nonwhite population, and will require concerted intervention if it is to be reduced.