Dental Defects and Periodontal Disease in Egypt, 1946-1947

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Abstract
An oral survey was undertaken in Egypt with the aim of determining some of the underlying causes for the poor oral health of the majority of Egyptians. Patients were grouped with reference to age and region of birth under 3 main headings dental defects, periodontal disease, and amt. and type of calculus. The analysis of the data collected on 994 Egyptian fellaheen revealed that the caries index was much lower than in other countries with a higher standard of living. On the other hand, the periodontal disease index was much higher in Egypt. Periodontal disease, dental defects, and calciferous deposits bore a definite correlation, one to another. Geographical distribution of caries was apparent, but no significant difference was found in reference to periodontal disease and calculus formation. The predisposing factors to periodontal disease were oral sepsis, nutritional insufficiencies induced by intestinal parasites, and inadequate food intake. The yearly concn. of fluorides (0.71 ppm.) in the water supply may exert a protective influence against tooth decay in Egypt.

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