Trends in periodontal status and oral hygiene habits in Dutch adults between 1983 and 1995

In 1995, a dental survey, similar to one carried out in 1983, was performed among persons aged 25-54 in the city of 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands. Objective: To describe trends in adults periodontal health between 1983 and 1995. Methods: The participants were interviewed at home and clinically examined in a dental van. Results: Average scores for plaque, calculus, bleeding after probing and number of buccal root surfaces exposed to the oral cavity were lower in 1995 than in 1983. There was no significant change in the percentage of teeth with pocket depth of 3.5 mm or more between 1983 and 1995. No difference was found between frequency of toothbrushing in 1983 and 1995. Conclusion: The results suggest that the periodontal health of Dutch adults aged 25-54 years has improved since 1983