Evidence for dental caries decline among children in an East European country (Hungary)

In Central and Eastern Europe oral health systems are in transition due to the economic and political changes. The aim of the present study was to highlight the long-term trend in dental caries prevalence of Hungarian children. A WHO National Pathfinder Survey of oral health status was conducted in 1996 which included 6-year-olds (n=900) and 12-year-olds (n=900). Similar surveys were performed in 1985 (age 6-7, n=895; age 12, n=893) and in 1991 (age 5-6, n=898; age 12, n=898) and the surveys were based on the same sites and examination criteria. Clinical data were collected by trained dental examiners according to the WHO Basic Methods. In 1996, 73% of 5-6-year-olds and 84.5% of 12-year-olds were affected by dental caries. At age 5-6 the mean dmft was 4.5 and at age 12 the DMFT was 3.8. In both groups, the d/D-components were high (5-6 years: dt/dmft=89%; 12 years: DT/DMFT=45%). For children aged 5-6, the mean caries experience increased from 1991 (3.7 dmft) to 1996 (4.5 dmft) (P<0.01) whereas DMFT of 12-year-olds declined from 5.0 in 1985 and 4.3 in 1991 (P<0.01). The differences in caries experience by urbanization level were reduced over time. In 1996, 72% of 12-year-olds had gingival bleeding (CPI scores 1 + 2), and 23% had moderate/severe malocclusion. In conclusion, in order to meet the need for dental care in schoolchildren in Hungary health authorities are encouraged to revitalize the school dental services. Implementation of community-based health promotion is needed to control oral disease in Hungarian children.