Caries Res 2015;49:384-389
(DOI:10.1159/000381427)
Abstract
There are few longitudinal studies in which the
development of caries over a long period of time has been studied for
different age groups. Such studies are important because they can
provide information to assess future needs for dental care and the
implications if the development of caries is different for patients in
different age groups. We describe changes in caries during the period
2003-2012 for several birth cohorts in Norway, using longitudinal data
collected annually for each individual during a period of 10 years. The
data set included patients born during the period 1940-1989 who received
regular dental care in the public dental services in the county of
Hedmark - altogether 7,519 patients. Information about caries was
obtained from the electronic patient records. Nearly 90% of the patients
had no caries for at least 5 years during the 10-year study period, and
nearly 50% had no caries for at least 8 years. This pattern was similar
for all birth cohorts. The mean number of carious teeth per patient
decreased from 2003 to 2012. This decrease was particularly large at the
end of the period and among the oldest birth cohorts, i.e. those born
in the periods 1940-1949 and 1950-1959. Our findings indicate that the
need for restorative treatment is reducing, particularly in the older
age groups. Fewer dentists and more dental hygienists may be needed in
the future to provide routine follow-up and care.
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