Caries experience among 45-54 year olds in Adelaide, South Australia

BackgroundMiddle-aged adults are an important focus of dental policy with increasing retention of teeth and use of dental services. The aims of the study were to describe the caries experience of 45-54 year olds by dental visit pattern, dental behaviour, socio-demographics and socio-economic status.MethodsA random sample of 45-54 year olds from Adelaide, South Australia was surveyed by self-complete questionnaire during 2004-2005 with up to four follow-up mailings to non-respondents (n=879, response rate = 43.8 per cent). Oral examinations were performed by calibrated dentists on 709 persons (completion rate = 80.7 per cent).ResultsThe mean number (95% CI) of decayed teeth was 0.39 (0.31-0.47), with 5.25 (4.92-5.58) missing teeth, 11.0 (10.62-11.32) filled teeth, and DMFT was 16.61 (16.21-17.01). Multivariate regressions of caries experience by dental visit pattern, dental behaviour, socio-demographics and socio-economic status found: time since last visit of less than 12 months was related (P ConclusionsDental visit pattern, dental behaviour, socio-demographics and socio-economic status were all related to caries experience. Overall DMFT was lower for those who brushed more frequently, had higher levels of education and higher household income.DS Brennan, AJ Spencer and KF Roberts-Thomso