In 1995, a dental survey, similar to one carried out in 1983, was per forme
d among persons aged 25-54 in the city of 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
. Objective: To describe trends in adults periodontal health between 1983 a
nd 1995. Methods: The participants were interviewed at home and clinically
examined in a dental van. Results: Average scores for plaque, calculus, ble
eding after probing and number of buccal root surfaces exposed to the oral
cavity were lower in 1995 than in 1983. There was no significant change in
the percentage of teeth with pocket depth of 3.5 mm or more between 1983 an
d 1995. No difference was found between frequency of toothbrushing in 1983
and 1995. Conclusion: The results suggest that the periodontal health of Du
tch adults aged 25-54 years has improved since 1983.