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Lookup NU author(s): Professor John Murray, Professor Chris VernazzaORCiD, Dr Richard HolmesORCiD
This is the authors' accepted manuscript of a review that has been published in its final definitive form by Nature Publishing Group, 2015.
For re-use rights please refer to the publisher's terms and conditions.
Introduction. The first national survey of children's dental health in England and Wales was carried out in 1973. Subsequent surveys, in1983, 1993 and 2003, included all United Kingdom Health Departments. The 2013 survey involved England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Aim. To consider all five surveys, from 1973 to 2013, so as to summarise trends in the dental health of children in the U.K. over the last 40 years. Material and Method. The surveys were commissioned by the Health & Social Care Information Centre using data collected during dental examinations conducted in schools on a random sample of children by NHS dentists, together with a questionnaire to parents of those children. In 2013, a pupil questionnaire for 12 & 15 year olds was introduced, to complement information received from parents and carers. Results. A total of 69,318 children, aged 5-15 years, were involved, from 1973-2013. Caries prevalence has reduced from 72% to 41% in 5year olds, and from 97% to 46% in 15 year olds in 40 years. Changes in periodontal disease, orthodontic treatment, accidental damage to anterior teeth, tooth surface loss and enamel defects, are also summarised. Behavioural and attitudinal characteristics observed in the 2013 report are listed. Conclusions. Caries is now concentrated in a minority of children. The prevalence of gingivitis has not changed a great deal in 40 years. About half of those children assessed 'in orthodontic need' receive treatment.
Author(s): Murray JJ, Vernazza CR, Holmes RD
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: British Dental Journal
Year: 2015
Volume: 219
Issue: 6
Pages: 281-285
Online publication date: 25/09/2015
Acceptance date: 13/08/2015
ISSN (print): 0007-0610
ISSN (electronic): 1476-5373
Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2015.723
DOI: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2015.723
