A survey of periodontal disease in a state population — An emphasis on children

Two surveys of dental disease in the North Carolina population were conducted fourteen years apart (1963 and 1977). The data collection methods were carefully standardized and were shown to be directly comparable. The results provide information on caries (DMFT), periodontal disease (PI), and oral hygiene (OHI-S) in the general population and in subgroups according to age, race, sex, geographic location, urban versus rural, socio-economic status, fluoride exposure, and other relevant variables. Of greater importance, comparison of data from the two studies allows identification of trends in dental disease patterns and, to some extent, dental care. Results show that dental caries prevalence is declining in the population 30 years and younger as a result of wa ter fluoridation. However, the prevalence of periodontal disease has increased sharply in the population, especially in certain groups. This increase extends into the five to 19year age group where subgroup patterns show pronounced differences. Changes in oral hygiene status are in the same direction.