Continual highly significant decrease in caries prevalence among 14-year-old Norwegians

Abstract

The MFS of 14-year-old children in Lillehammer, Norway, were recorded in 1959,1969,1979, and 1984. The data were extracted from dental records of random samples of 76 children. The mean MFS was 34.1 in 1959 and 28.0, 13.8, and 7.5 the following years. The caries prevalence was reduced by 78% from 1959 to 1984. In 1959, 16.6 approximal surfaces were filled, but in 1984 only 1.3. Significantly fewer radiographically initial lesions were observed in 1984 than in 1979. The continual decrease in caries prevalence is related to various fluoride programs, fluoride dentifrices, decreased caries prevalence among preschool children, and an assumed decreased challenge.