Pattern of caries amongst children in Republic of Ireland 1984-2002

Methods: As part of National Surveys of Children's Oral Health in RoI in 1984 and 2002, representative samples of 12- and 15-year-old lifetime residents of fluoridated and non-fluoridated communities were clinically examined by teams of calibrated examiners (Whelton et al. Comm. Dent. Health; 21, 37-44, 2004). Caries was diagnosed at cavitation level; no radiographs were taken.

Results: In 1984 the mean DMFT for 12-year-olds in fluoridated areas (n=749) was 2.6, of which 10.1% was found in incisors and canines (anterior teeth). The mean DMFT for the non-fluoridated group (n=755) was 3.3, of which 16.0% was found in anterior teeth. For 12-year-olds in the fluoridated group in 2002 (n=2,089) the mean DMFT was 1.3, of which 4.2% was in anterior teeth. In the non-fluoridated group (n=746) the mean DMFT was 1.6, of which 4.1% was in anterior teeth.

In 1984 the mean DMFT for 15-year-olds in fluoridated areas (n=403) was 4.1, of which 12.4% was found in anterior teeth. The mean DMFT for the non-fluoridated group (n=668) was 5.4, of which 28.4% was found in anterior teeth. For 15-year-olds in the fluoridated group in 2002 (n=2,062) the mean DMFT was 2.6, of which 8.7% was in anterior teeth. In the non-fluoridated group (n=632) the mean DMFT was 3.8, of which 13.2% was in anterior teeth.

Conclusions: The prevalence of dental caries in RoI has declined amongst children between 1984 and 2002 particularly amongst lifetime residents of fluoridated communities; the percentage of these reduced caries levels attributable to anterior teeth has also declined. Caries in anterior permanent teeth is now relatively rare amongst children in RoI especially amongst lifetime residents fo fluoridated communities.