Epidemiology of dental caries in 5-year-old children in Israel

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Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of dental caries in the earliest age at which children were organized as a group in the national education system and to find possible associations with variables that may help to identify groups at risk in this population. A total of 965 children, 5 yr old, were examined. They were selected by a method to form a representative sample of all West Jerusalem compulsory kindergarten classes in 1971. Caries, gingivitis and oral hygiene were assessed and demographic data were collected. It was found that 84% of the children were affected with mean dif value of 4.7 (.+-. 3.6). Association was found between caries and social class. The high morbidity suggests that organized services should be planned for this age group. Since the resources are limited, efforts should be directed mainly towards groups at risk.

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