Dental caries and periodontal disease in Fiji

Abstract

A national oral survey was conducted in Fiji in 1985/86. The results showed that the prevalence of caries was generally low and most commonly affected pit and fissure surfaces. Comparisons with previous surveys in 1948 and 1965 showed that the prevalence had fallen in primary teeth but remained relatively constant in permanent teeth. There were significant variations in prevalence between residential locations but not between ethnic groups. Periodontal disease was found to be a major public health problem. Except for the percentage of young children with caries-free dentitions, the current status of oral health in Fiji was generally better than that proposed in the WHO goals for the year 2000. The training of dental hygienists to help in the prevention of both dental caries and periodontal disease is discussed.

Appraisal of Periodontal Condition amongst Leather Manufacturing Plant Workers in Central India: A Prevalence Survey

“…The present study also found that prevalence of periodontal disease is directly proportional to age which is comparable to the result of the studies conducted by Dini and Guimaraes [14], Miyazaki et al [15], van Palenstein Helderman et al [16], Krustrup and Erik Petersen [17], Weirzbicka et al [18], and Davies et al [19].…”

Caries prevalence and severity in urban Fijian school children

“…As early as 1967, however, Barmes speculated that the low caries prevalence in Pacific regions would change with the dietary alterations accompanying greater Westernization [27]. It is now generally recognized that dental health in the Pacific is becoming worse [16,19,23,26,28–31].…”

“…In the 1985/86 Fijian national oral health survey, the prevalence of caries in primary teeth was reported as 85%, with a mean 3·9 affected teeth per child [23]. In comparison with studies in 1948 and 1965, the 1985/86 figures showed a considerable improvement for caries prevalence in the primary dentition (of the order of 30–40% between the ages 5–6 and 7–8) [23]. This was attributed to the introduction of health education programs, distribution of free toothbrushes and dentifrices to school children and a fluoridation scheme developed in Suva.…”

“…People from around the Pacific seek employment and education there, and its population comprises a blend of Melanesian, Polynesian, Micronesian, Indian, Chinese and European cultures [22]. A nation‐wide oral health survey conducted in 1985/86 [23] identified certain groups (such as 5–6‐year‐old children) as having high dental disease experience. Since that time, there have been changes in the economic situation and demographic composition of many Pacific nations, together with greater consumption of cariogenic food and beverage products [16].…”