Caries activity in a sample of 25-year olds--sugars or dentistry?

Summary A survey was performed in which the dental records of a sample of 25-year old RN personnel were analysed for increases in dental caries and restorative status since entry into the Service. Mean annual increments of 0.26 teeth and 0.74 surfaces occurred. The highest increases were found in the records of those who had served the longest, but the greatest number of courses of treatment occurred in those who on entry already had high caries scores. The possible causes of this continuing disease process are discussed and in conclusion it is put forward that dental health is being achieved in the Royal Navy by the treatment of disease by restorative dentistry rather than by the utilisation of proven and effective methods of prevention.