A 2-stage topical treatment regimen (AgF followed by SnF2) was used in an attempt to limit caries progression in the primary molars of children participating in a minimal treatment programme. The children lived in an isolated community in western New South Wales (fluoride in water less than 0.2 parts/10(6)) and were from a low socioeconomic background. The progression, over a 24-month period, of 281 established lesions in the approximal and occlusal surfaces of primary molars in 54 subjects (mean age 7.0 years) was determined from bitewing radiographs. Of the lesions studied, the majority (69%) were in dentine at baseline. At 24 months, 74% of the approximal surface lesions and 90% of the occlusal surface lesions that were in enamel at baseline remained unchanged. The greatest change occurred in the approximal surface lesions that were within 1 mm of the pulp at baseline. Only 35% of the lesions required any treatment other than topical metal fluoride therapy during the 24-month period.
Oral health parameters were examined for 211 schoolchildren (128 Aborigines and 83 Caucasians) representative of the 6--8 and 10--11 year age groups in the Brewarrina and Walgett areas of western New South Wales (fluoride in water less than or equal to 0.02-0.26 parts/10(6)). Despite similar dietary carbohydrate challenge and tooth eruption patterns, Aboriginal children, most of whom were members of a transitional community within a low socioeconomic stratum, had higher prevalence of caries (DIMFT) and severity rating of carious lesions (SR), poorer oral hygiene (OHI) and more gingivitis (PI) than Caucasian children, in both age groups. Tooth defects were more frequent (2.5 times) and severe in Aborigines than in Caucasians. Outstanding treatment needs were very high in both ethnic groups, but more so in Aborigines.
A pilot survey of oral health included 83 adolescent and adult Aborigines (41 M, 42 F, range 16--70 years, mean age 37.3 years), resident in fringe settlements around the far western New South Wales towns of Brewarrina and Walgett (fluoride in water less than or equal to 0.02--0.26 parts/10(6)). Dental caries prevalence (mean DIMFT per person) increased from 17.1 at 20 years to 10.7 at 35 years and declined to 14.6 by the age of 50 years and over. Oral hygiene (OHI) was poor overall and deteriorated with age. Periodontal status (PI) was significantly correlated with the presence of debris (DI) and calculus (CI). The mean PI increased from 1.7 at 20 years to 4.8 at 43 years and over. Tooth mortality reached 75% by the age of 43 years. Prosthetic needs were correspondingly high, but 95% of denture requirements were unmet. No evidence of effective or sustained oral health care was seen; 38% of subjects needed emergency treatment.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.