Caries prevalence

• 50% of 5 year olds have DMFT
• More than 95% of 5yo DMFT is untreated
• Mean DMFT for 5yo is 2.5 (~10% of their teeth)
• 23% of 12 year olds have DMFT but most are treated due to the school service
• Mean DMFT for 12 year olds is 0.4
• 96% of 35-44 year olds have DMFT
• Mean DMFT for 35-44 year olds is 6.9
• 30% of adult caries are untreated/active caries
• 99% of non-institutionalised older people have DMFT
• Mean DMFT for NOP is 16.2
• 50% of NOP caries are untreated
• 100% of IOP have DMFT
• Mean DMFT for IOP is 25.9 and they are much less likely to get fillings
• At least 1000ppm fluoride reduces caries by 23%, higher concentrations can reduce 36%
• Interdental brushing with regular brushing can reduce plaque and gingivitis by 30%
• Toothbrushing reduces plaque by 1/3 short term, but long term has failed to show effectiveness
• Flossing has a small effect on plaque short term
• Flossing has an effect on gingivitis to some extent, short and long term
• Flossing has no effect on caries