Cohort comparisons of dental status in the adult Swedish population between 1975 and 1981

Abstract
The aim was to describe and analyze changes in dental status in Sweden over a 6-yr period, and to establish a baseline for a subsequent investigation. Representative samples of the Swedish population in 1975, 1977, and 1981 were investigated by means of interviews. The participation rate varied between 81 and 86% and the number of participants between 11,582 and 14,964. Dental status, based on a question about natural teeth and/or removable denture(s), was analyzed in relation to demographic, socio-economic, social support and life style factors. The prevalence of edentulism in the age group 16-74 years decreased during the observation period from 12.7% to 9.9% in men and from 15.5% to 11.2 in women. Besides age, urbanization, occupation and tobacco smoking had the highest explanatory value for edentulism. The findings are discussed with respect to the increasing life expectancy and possible changes in the need and demand for dental care.

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