Trends in caries and associated variables among young Israeli adults over 5 decades

This study was conducted among a representative sample of 7139 21-year-old Israeli adults, upon release from compulsory military service. Data were co llected between 1994 and 1997. The average DMFT level found was 8.49 +/- 4. 95. Untreated caries (according to the D component of DMET) was 2.25 +/- 2. 90 and significantly higher among males. Untreated caries was also signific antly associated with geographic origin: higher among subjects of African o r former USSR descent; and with family size: higher among subjects with fou r or more siblings; with education: caries was higher among subjects with l ess than 12 years of schooling; and with smoking: caries was more extensive among those who smoked (P<0.0001 for all the associations). Caries severit y (DMET) was found to be significantly associated with father's country of origin and number of siblings (highest among subjects of Asian and African descent and those who had four or more siblings). This is the largest and m ost representative Israeli survey of young adults to date. Data were compar ed with available data from studies conducted in 1956, 1966, 1973, and 1985 . DMET scores had previously increased from the 1950s until the 1980s. Trea tment levels had increased since the 1980s. The present data, together with results of studies conducted among Israeli children, indicate a recent nat ional decrease in caries experience. This study indicates a further increas e in caries treatment level, but a persisting inequity according to social variables.