Caries prevalence and distribution in individuals aged 3-20 years in Jönköping, Sweden, 1973, 1978 and 1983.

In 1973, 1978, and 1983 epidemiological studies on dental health were performed in the community of Jönköping, Sweden. Each investigation covered about 500 individuals evenly distributed in the age groups 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20 years. The subjects were examined clinically and radiographically. In the present study, caries prevalence and distribution are analysed too. The total number of DFS decreased by about 50 per cent between 1973 and 1983 in all age groups. Most of the changes occurred during the period 1973-1978. The largest percentage reduction in DFS had occurred on the buccal/lingual surfaces. The number of FS-proximal showed a decrease in 1983 compared to 1973, while the number of DS-proximal was almost unchanged during the period. A closer analysis of DS-proximal revealed that there was an increase in the proportion of lesions restricted to the enamel between 1973 and 1983. In the 3 and 5-year-olds, 29 and 32 per cent of the carious lesions were restricted to the enamel in 1973 compared to 58 and 53 per cent, respectively, in 1983. For the groups of 10, 15 and 20 year-olds the numbers were 84, 84 and 78 per cent respectively in 1973, and 89, 90 and 86 per cent in 1983. A change in distribution of individuals according to DFS was found in 1978 compared to 1973. This change was still more pronounced in 1983, most of the subjects showing a low number of DFS. The results of the study show that when caries prevalence is decreasing more refined diagnostic measures should be used in order to make it possible to follow changes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)