Caries prevalence and distribution in 20-80-year-olds in Jonkoping, Sweden, in 1973, 1983, and 1993

In 1973, a cross-sectional study on oral health status was performed on 100 0 individuals in the age groups 3-70 years in Jonkoping, Sweden. In 1983 an d 1993, new cross-sectional studies were carried out in the age groups 3-80 years. The aim of the present study was to analyze caries prevalence and d istribution in the three investigations 1973, 1983, and 1993 in the age gro ups 20-80 years. In the younger age groups (20-40 years), a larger proporti on of individuals with good oral health was found in 1993 than in 1973 or 1 983. A steady increase in the number of teeth in the age groups 40-80 years could be found, which was also reflected in the increasing number of decay ed and filled tooth surfaces (DFS) in the same age groups. A marked decreas e in proximal DFS in 20-50-year-olds in 1993 compared to 1973 and 1983 was found. However, a rather large and unchanging group of individuals sufferin g from severe caries was also observed. This situation demands an individua lized caries treatment strategy based on risk assessment.