[Fluoridation measures and caries prevalence in school children in the former DDR].

Abstract

Statistical analysis of 3,576 DMFT counts from three million observations of children aged 6 to 16 in East Germany shows a strong time-lagged relationship with fluoridation activities. More significant results, however, are found due to age and a score of socioeconomic factors. Additionally, caries prevalence decreases with time. Conversely, DMFT is not affected by size or type of dental staff, neither absolutely nor relatively.