Gaare D, Joelimar FA, Oaderaa F vd, Rolla G: A cross-sectional study of DMFT and CPITN in a group of Indonesian soldiers. Scand J Dent Res 1989; 97: 2CM.Abstract -A cross-sectional clinical study showed that the prevalence of caries among Indonesian soldiers was low, compared with that found in corresponding Western popuiadons. Also, the progression of caries was very' slow, and caries was limited almost exclusively to tbe occlusal surfaces of the teeth. Among officers, the prevalence of caries was lower than it was among other ranks of tbe same age. The low general prevalence of caries among Indonesian soldiers may be related to diet. Rice was the major source of carbohydrate for the soldiers, and their sucrose consumption was 10 kg per person per year. Their drinking water contained a low concentration of fluoride (0.1 ppm). In spite of massive accumulations of calculus, the periodontal health of young soldiers (< 26 yr) was also good. Among those in higher age groups, however, periodontal healtb had deteriorated, but even in a group aged 40-46 yr, no teeth had been lost as a result of periodontal disease. Among officers, periodontal health was better than it was amongst other ranks of corresponding age. The oiBcers bad been accustomed to brushing their teeth regularly, whereas the other ranks had not. It thus appears that tootbbrushing may help to preser\'e periodontal health, even when large amounts of calculus are present on the teeth and there is no opportunity for it to be removed regularly by a dentist.