Comparison of oral status in an adult population 35-75 year of age in the county of Dalarna, Sweden in 1983 and 2008.

Unlabelled: The aim was to study the prevalence and distribution of number of teeth, number of intact and decayed teeth and prevalence and distribution of removable dentures and periodontal disease over 25 years 1983-2008. Two cross-sectional studies (EpiWux) were performed in the County of Dalarna, Sweden in 1983 and 2008. In the 1983 study a random sample of 1012 individuals were invited to participate in this epidemiological and clinical study and 1440 individuals in 2008. A total number of 1695 individuals, stratified into geographical areas (rural and urban areas), in the age groups 35, 50, 65 and 75 answered a questionnaire and were also clinically and radiographically examined.The number of edentulous individuals decreased from 15% in 1983 to 3% in 2008. Number of teeth increased from 22.7 in 1983 to 24.2 in 2008 and decayed surfaces per tooth showed a three-time reduction over this period of time. As a consequence of better oral status the prevalence of complete removable dentures in both jaws decreased from 15% in 1983 to 2% in 2008. Individuals with moderate periodontitis decreased from 45% in 1983 to 16% in 2008.

Conclusion: Covering a period of 25 years the present study can report dramatic improvements in all aspects of dental status that were investigated.This is encouraging for dental care professionals, but will not necessarily lead to less demand for dental care in the future as the population is aging with a substantial increase in number of teeth.