Changes in Caries Prevalence among Adolescents in Budapest, Hungary, from 1975 to 1982

Abstract

In 1975 and in 1982 more than 1,500 Budapest high school pupils aged 14–17 years were examined. The percentage of caries-free pupils increased from 1.5% in 1975 to 4.8% in 1982 (in girls from 1.4 to 5.1 % and in boys from 1.8 to 4.2%). The overall reduction in caries prevalence was 15.1% (18.8%) in girls and 12.8% in boys). Oral hygiene and periodontal indices showed no improvement. Higher sales of fluoridated toothpaste and lower sugar consumption are possible contributing factors.