Is there a need for dental sealants? Epidemiological indications in the 1980s.

This paper has attempted to review dental caries epidemiology as it may relate to the subject of dental sealants. As such, the major emphasis has been on the epidemiology of permanent tooth caries among children and adolescents. The review touched four major areas. First, the current distribution of dental caries and its relationship to various epidemiological factors was discussed as it pertains to North America. Second, the evidence for declining caries experience was reviewed from a North American, European, and Australia/New Zealand perspective. Third, a superficial discussion of dental caries epidemiology in selected developing countries was offered and certain contrasts to caries patterns in developed countries were illustrated. Fourth, a brief attempt was made to evaluate the relative significance of pit and fissure caries in children.