The aim of this epidemiological study was to assess the prevalence of malocclusion, associated caries experience, and level of oral hygiene in the Hungarian population using the World Health Organisation (WHO) questionnaire designed to assess dentofacial anomalies. A total of 483 adolescents (289 girls, 194 boys), aged 16-18 years, were assessed. Orthodontic anomalies were detected in 70.4 per cent of the sample. Crowding and spacing were observed in 14.3 and 17 per cent, respectively, with the latter being more prevalent in the maxilla than in the mandible (10.4 and 2.9 per cent, respectively). A Class I occlusion was found in 52.8 per cent of the subjects. A half cusp anomaly in the antero-posterior molar relationship was more prevalent than a full cusp anomaly (26.9 and 20.3 per cent, respectively). The decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT), the decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (DMFS), and the visible plaque indices scores (VPI) of the 340 adolescents with malocclusion were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of the adolescents who displayed no anomalies. The prevalence of malocclusion in the Hungarian population seems to be comparable with other European communities.

Background: Oral health is basicly important for the well-being of people. Thus, it is strongly suggested to organize epidemiological surveys in order to gain representative data on oral condition of the given population. The purpose of the cross-sectional study was to determine the results on tooth loss and caries prevalence of Hungarian adults in different age groups.

The present survey indicates that oral hygiene standards and periodontal health conditions need improvement in Hungary. Effective intervention programme for the prevention and control of periodontal disease are recommended at a national level.

This cross sectional study, representative of the Hungarian population, clearly shows that one-third of the adult population suffers from xerostomia. The clinical severity of the xerostomia demonstrated a strong relationship with the lower levels of UWS flow rate. Reduced levels of UWS flow rate in this study were also shown to be associated with dysphagia, fatigue, and increased DMF-T numbers. The data show that oral dryness, its associated desiccation symptoms and its clinical manifestations are significant health problems in Hungary.

The aim of the study was to assess caries prevalence in connection with salivary caries–related findings in 349 14– to 16–year–old Hungarian adolescents living in two different cities. DMFT, DMFS means, stimulated salivary flow, buffer capacity, mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and candida counts in saliva were determined. The ratio of caries–free adolescents was 4.6% in the total population sample, DMFT mean values were 7.24±4.86, DMFS means 10.50±8.35. Mean secretion rate of stimulated saliva was 0.84±0.50; a low buffer capacity was found in 6.3% of the examined children. The ratio of carriers of mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and yeasts in saliva was 89.7, 73.9 and 47.7%, respectively. DMFT and DMFS values as well as mutans streptococci and candida counts were lower in the capital than in the other city. Statistically significant correlations were found between DMFT, DMFS mean values, and salivary microbiological counts.