Showing papers on "Oral hygiene published in 1995"

Correlation between volatile sulphur compounds and certain oral health measurements in the general population.

Abstract: Oral malodor was measured using a portable sulphide monitor in 2,672 individuals aged 18 to 64 years. In addition, dental (DMFT) and periodontal conditions (CPITN and attachment loss), dental plaque, and tongue coating status were assessed. Before clinical examination, subjects were interviewed about their oral health habits, smoking habits, and medical history. Data on volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) were analyzed by gender, age group, and time of measurement. There were no significant differences observed in the VSC between males and females in any age group. In each age group, the measured values of oral malodor were highest in the late morning group (58.6 ppb in average), followed by the late afternoon group (52.1 ppb), while lowest values were shown in the early afternoon group (39.4 ppb). Significant correlation was observed only between the VSC value and periodontal conditions and tongue coating status. The results also suggest that oral malodor might be caused mainly by tongue coating in the youn...

Full- vs. Partial-mouth Disinfection in the Treatment of Periodontal Infections: Short-term Clinical and Microbiological Observations

Abstract: In a standard periodontal treatment strategy with consecutive root planings (per quadrant at a one- to two-week interval), re-infection of a disinfected area might occur before completion of the treatment. This study examines, both clinically and microbiologically, whether a full-mouth disinfection within 24 hours significantly improves the outcome of periodontal treatment. Ten patients with advanced chronic periodontitis were randomly allocated to a test and a control group. The patients from the control group received scalings and root planings as well as oral hygiene instructions per quadrant at two-week intervals. Full-mouth disinfection in the test group was sought by the removal of all plaque and calculus (in two visits within 24 hours). In addition, at each of these visits, the tongue was brushed with a 1 % chlorhexidine gel for one min and the mouth rinsed with a 0.2% chlorhexidine solution for two min. Furthermore, subgingival chlorhexidine (1%) irrigation was performed in all pockets. The recolo...

Oral health of individuals aged 3-80 years in Jönköping, Sweden in 1973, 1983, and 1993. II. Review of clinical and radiographic findings.

Abstract: The aim of this epidemiological study was to analyse various clinical and radiographic data on oral health and compare the results to those of two cross-sectional studies carried out in 1973 and 1983. In 1973, 1983, and 1993 a random sample of 1000, 1104, and 1078 individuals, respectively were studied. The individuals were evenly distributed in the age groups 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 years. In 1983 and 1993 80-year-olds were also included. All subjects were inhabitants of the community of Jonkoping, Sweden. The clinical and radiographic examination assessed edentulousness, removable dentures, implants, number of teeth, caries, restorations and overhangs, oral hygiene, calculus, periodontal status, endodontic treatment, and periapical status. The number of edentulous individuals was reduced by half from 1973 to 1993 and is now 8% in the age groups 40-70 years. The mean number of teeth has increased and up to the age of 50 years the individuals had more or less complete dentitions. During the 20-year period there was generally decreasing number of carious lesions and restorations. In the 15- and 20-year-olds, however, there was an increasing number of decayed/filled tooth surfaces in 1993 compared to 1983. Furthermore, after the age of 50 there was an increase in number of restored tooth surfaces. As regards secondary caries there was an increase for the 10- and 15-year-olds between 1983 and 1993. For all other age groups there were only minor differences. Generally restorations exhibited a high quality and 85-90% had no proximal overhangs. In 1973 this figure was about 60%. Concerning the frequency of tooth surfaces exhibiting plaque and gingival inflammation there was a considerable decrease from 1973 to 1983, but during the period from 1983 to 1993 there seems to be no improvement. In some age groups there was even a significant increase in plaque (15-year-olds) and gingivitis (3-, 5-, 15-, 20-, and 60-year-olds). The frequency of individuals with one or more periodontal pockets (> 4 mm) increased with age. In 1993 the bone level at the age of 40 years corresponded to the bone level at the age of 20 years in 1973. The percentage of endodontically treated teeth was lower in 1993 in all age groups than in 1973 and 1983. The percentage of endodontically treated teeth with periapical or juxtaradicular destructions was unchanged in all three studies. The comparison of the three studies from 1973, 1983, and 1993 shows that there has been a great improvement in oral health over this 20-year period. In 1993, however, the increasing number of decayed/filled tooth surfaces in the 15- and 20-year-olds and an increase in plaque and gingivitis in some younger age groups calls for special attention.

Prediction of Dental Caries Development in 1-Year-Old Children

Abstract: Dietary habits, oral hygiene, fluoride exposure and occurrence of mutans streptococci were studied in 1-year-old children (n = 786) as well as the socio-economic and immigrant background of their pare

Helicobacter pylori infection and dental care.

Abstract: Sixty two patients (mean age 45.6 years) were assessed for oral hygiene and periodontal disease by dental examination before endoscopy. Information about oral care, smoking, and dentures was obtained and samples of dental plaque collected. The presence of Helicobacter pylori in plaque as sought by culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and gastric antral biopsy specimens were taken for histological examination. Although H pylori was detected in the antral specimens of 34 patients (54%) all of the cultures of dental plaque were negative, and PCR was only positive from the dentures of one patient. Smokers had poor oral hygiene, visited their dentist less often, and brushed their teeth less frequently. There was no correlation of H pylori gastritis with either dental hygiene or periodontal disease. These results suggest that dental plaque or dentures are not an important reservoir for H pylori and are probably not a significant factor in transmission of the organism. The conflicting results in published works may be caused by differences in sample collection, culture techniques, or oral contamination from gastric juice as a result of gastro-oesophageal reflux at the time of endoscopy.

The Effect of an Antiseptic Mouthrinse on Implant Maintenance: Plaque and Peri‐Implant Gingival Tissues

Abstract: The purpose of this controlled double-blind, parallel, randomized clinical study was to determine the effect of antiseptic mouthrinse on parameters important to dental implant maintenance. Plaque, peri-implant gingivitis, gingival bleeding, probing depth, and attachment level were assessed over a 3-month test period. Twenty healthy adult patients each of whom had at least two dental implants, a modified gingival index > 1.5, and a modified Quigley-Hein plaque index score > 1.7 were enrolled into the study. After a thorough oral prophylaxis, patients were randomly assigned to either the antiseptic mouthrinse or a 5% hydroalcohol placebo mouthrinse group and instructed to rinse twice daily for 30 seconds with 20 ml of their assigned mouthrinse as an adjunct to their usual oral hygiene procedures. The baseline examination included plaque index, gingival index, bleeding index, probing depth measurement, and attachment level measurements. The plaque and gingival indices were rescored at 1, 2, and 3 months. Probing depths, attachment levels, and bleeding index were determined again at 3 months only. At the end of 3 months, the antiseptic mouthrinse group had statistically significant reductions in plaque index, gingival index, and bleeding index compared to the placebo group. There were no significant differences between groups in probing depth or attachment level. The results of this clinical study indicate that twice daily use of an antiseptic mouthrinse may provide benefits in the maintenance of dental implants.

Oral findings in elderly nursing home residents in selected countries: Oral hygiene conditions and plaque accumulation on denture surfaces

Abstract: Many removable-denture wearers do not keep their prostheses clean One result of poor hygiene is the accumulation of plaque and/or food debris on the denture surfaces, the oral tissues, the residual ridges, palate, cheeks, and tongue In the study of the oral conditions of geriatric patients living in institutions, 610 patients were examined in seven old-age homes in four different countries: the United States, Peru, Argentina, and Israel

Oral health behavior, knowledge, and attitudes of children, mothers, and schoolteachers in Romania in 1993

Abstract: In Romania an increasing level of dental caries in children has been observed. The present study was undertaken to describe the oral health behavior of schoolchildren in the first grade, to assess the level of oral health knowledge and attitudes among the mothers, and to describe oral knowledge and attitudes to prevention among the schoolteachers. A total of 322 mothers of grade-1 children (response, 89%) and 97 schoolteachers (response, 86%) participated in the study. Data on mothers and children were collected through personal interviews, whereas the teachers responded to self-administered questionnaires. A significant proportion of the mothers knew about the causal factors in dental caries; however, relatively few were aware of the harmful effect of hidden sugar. Most of the mothers were aware of the importance of toothbrushing, but 33% also recommended the use of salt for prevention of periodontal disease. Of the children, 37% brushed their teeth at least twice a day; 26% had their teeth cleaned by th...

Dental health and treatment needs in institutionalized psychiatric patients in Italy

Abstract: The caries prevalence, oral hygiene status, periodontal health and the treatment needs were assessed in a group of institutionalized psychiatric patients in Catanzaro, Italy. Of the total sample of 297 subjects, 165 (55.6%) were males, the mean age was 55.1 yr, the great majority (90.6%) was able to care for themselves, on average they had been institutionalized for 12.9 yr, and almost two-thirds were schizophrenic (65%). They did not receive any assistance in daily oral hygiene procedures, only 7.4% had visited a dentist and exclusively for emergency care. A total of 33 (11.1%) patients were edentulous, and the multiple logistic regression analysis showed a highly significant increase of edentulousness with increasing age (P < 0.001). No caries-free subjects were found and among the dentate the DMFT and DMFS scores for all age groups were respectively 15.5 and 88.6. The stepwise linear regression analysis showed that the mean DMFT index increased with age (t = 6.86; P < 0.001), and in the partly or totally helpless patients it was significantly higher than in the self-sufficient patients (t = 2.78; P = 0.006). Of the 264 dentate subjects, only 25 (9.5%) had no need of dental treatment; 213 (80.7%) required extractions with a mean number per person of 6.3 and the need for conservative dental care was recorded in 154 (58.3%) patients with a mean need for patient of 2.8. Mean OHI-S score was 4.2 and the stepwise linear regression analysis showed that it increased with age (t = 5.73; P < 0.001) and with the length of institutionalization (t = 3.42; P < 0.001). Only 0.9% of the entire sample was found with healthy periodontal tissue; bleeding on probing or a higher score was found in 4.6% of examined sextants; calculus in 10.1%; shallow pockets and deep pockets in 19.6% and 64.8% of all sextants. The results of the multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the number of subjects with deep pockets as highest score increased with increasing age (P<0.001), and with the increasing length of institutionalization (P=0.005). The findings of this study demonstrate high caries prevalence, poor oral hygiene and periodontal health, and extensive unmet needs for dental treatment. More coordinated efforts between the social and dental care sector must be maintained to serve adequately the need of this disadvantaged group.

Caries lesions and dental restorations as predisposing factors in the progression of periodontal diseases in adolescents. A 3-year longitudinal study.

Abstract: The present study used a novel approach to assess the relationship between untreated caries lesions and defective and non-defective dental restorations and the incidence of gingival inflammation and the progression of chronic inflammatory periodontal diseases at the approximal surfaces of posterior teeth and at the adjacent surface of the neighboring tooth in adolescents over a period of 3 years. Two hundred-twenty-seven (227) 13-year-old schoolchildren were examined clinically and radiographically at baseline and annually at three subsequent occasions. At each site the alveolar bone height and presence of gingival bleeding were assessed. Incipient caries lesions, manifest caries, and defective and non-defective restorations were identified at the same site and also at the adjacent approximal tooth surface at all examinations, both clinically and radiographically. The data were analyzed by the multi-level logistic regression and variance components analyses. On average, 32, 8.5, 7, and 10% of the sites, respectively, were diagnosed as having incipient caries, manifest caries, and defective and non-defective restorations. There was a significant association between the presence of untreated manifest caries lesions, non-defective and defective dental restorations, and the progression of periodontal support loss. Also there was an association between presence of defective restorations and manifest caries and the incidence of gingival inflammation. Consistently, factors detected at the involved site and at the adjacent site had significant effects. The present study indicates that untreated cavities and dental restorations are predisposing factors with a significant negative effect on periodontal health in adolescents.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Smoking and periodontal disease. A review.

Abstract: From the many epidemiological and clinical studies we have looked at there is considerable evidence supporting a positive association between smoking and periodontal disease. In conclusion therefore we can see that smoking can cause a number of changes within the periodontium which can predispose an individual to the progression of periodontal disease. Both the frequency and severity of periodontal disease appears to be greater among smokers than non-smokers. The smoking habit is associated with a variety of deleterious changes in the oral cavity. The periodontal tissues are firstly compromised by the initial vasodilatation and then the decreased blood flow to the gingiva, due to the vasoconstricting actions of nicotine. This also acts to decrease the crevicular fluid flow, which increases the susceptibility of the host to bacterial growth. The vasoconstriction also acts to inhibit what are normally early signs of periodontal problems by decreasing gingival inflammation, redness and bleeding. Evidence suggests that smoking is consistently associated with poorer levels of oral hygiene and consequently smokers have increased accumulations of plaque and calculus. The immune response of smokers is also impaired where the chemotactic and phagocytic ability of combination of these factors which enhances the breakdown of periodontal tissues in smokers. I believe that the dentist has an important role in making patients aware of the detrimental effects that smoking has on periodontal tissues and health in general. The smoking habits of all patients should be inquired about during an oral examination and the patient should be strongly advised to stop smoking by pointing out the risks involved and the positive benefits gained from breaking this habit. It is essential that the dentist is supportive in this role in an attempt to improve the oral status of the individual.

A combined analysis of a toothbrush, foam brush, and a chlorhexidine-soaked foam brush in maintaining oral hygiene.

Abstract: Oral hygiene in immunocompromised patients is important in preventing oral infection and may be important in preventing systemic infections. By mechanically reducing bacterial plaque levels in the oral cavity, the risk of infection may be reduced. Foam brushes have been shown to be ineffective in controlling plaque levels and gingivitis. In a 2-week trial, we demonstrated that using a foam brush soaked in chlorhexidine reduces plaque and controls gingivitis as effectively as using a toothbrush. Foam brushes soaked in chlorhexidine should be used when toothbrushing cannot be performed.

Relationship between prosthodontic status, caries, and periodontal disease in a geriatric population.

Abstract: This study evaluated the influence of prosthodontic status on caries a and periodontal disease in a hospitalized population of elderly people. Among the data gathered was information on caries, gingival condition, oral hygiene, plaque accumulation, and factors related to the prevalence, type and quality of the prostheses present. There was no significant association between the type of rehabilitation and the economic, social, or educational variables, but it appeared that removable partial denture wearers had less concern for oral health. Root caries and periodontal diseases were more frequent when the restoration, either fixed or removable, was defective. Th results of this study indicate the importance of oral hygiene instruction and regular recalls among removable partial denture wearers.

The clinical effect of dentifrices containing stabilized stannous fluoride on plaque formation and gingivitis--a six-month study with ad libitum brushing.

Abstract: The effects of stabilized 0.454% stannous fluoride dentifrices on supragingival plaque, gingival inflammation and gingival bleeding were studied in 549 adult male and female subjects who completed a six-month, double blind clinical study. Following an oral prophylaxis, subjects were randomly assigned to brush with one of the following dentifrices: 1) 0.454% SnF2 stabilized with 2.08% sodium gluconate, 2) 0.454% SnF2 stabilized with 4.16% sodium gluconate, 3) an experimental dentifrice, or 4) 0.243% NaF control dentifrice. Follow-up examinations were conducted at 3 and 6 months. Compared to the control dentifrice at 6 months, stannous fluoride dentifrices stabilized with 2.08% or 4.16% sodium gluconate significantly reduced gingivitis by 18.8% and 18.0%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the two stabilized SnF2 groups with respect to their beneficial effects on gingival health. Gingival bleeding was also reduced, relative to the control dentifrice, for both stabilized SnF2 dentifrices. However, these differences were not statistically significant at p=0.05. The stabilized SnF2 dentifrices were not significantly different from the control dentifrice in their effects on supragingival plaque. No significant differences in adverse oral soft tissue effects were observed between the test and control groups. As expected, accumulation of extrinsic tooth stain increased in the stabilized SnF2 groups. However, the difficulty in removing accumulated dental stain was similar between the control and stabilized SnF2 dentifrices. Since use of SnF2 dentifrices has been reported to produce tooth stain, gingivitis examinations were done with and without custom-made tooth covers to evaluate the potential for examiner bias. Comparable gingivitis and gingival bleeding benefits were observed when the evaluations were conducted with or without the tooth covers. Results from this study support that 0.454% stabilized stannous fluoride dentifrices can provide an important adjunct to the prevention and control of gingivitis when used in combination with regular personal oral hygiene procedures and professional care.

Oral Manifestations of HIV Infection

Abstract: Oral lesions are common in individuals with HIV infection and thus a detailed oral examination is an important part of the regular physical examination.1,4 Early recognition and treatment of these oral lesions may reduce morbidity. The oral lesions most frequently seen in and clearly associated with HIV infection are listed in Table 1.1 However, at least 40 oral manifestations of HIV infection have been recorded. Oral lesions cause significant discomfort and other problems, yet most are readily treated.2 They may be the first clinical features of HIV infection and lead to its diagnosis.3 Their presence is an indication of immunodeficiency and predicts the progression of HIV disease.4 Kaposi's Sarcoma People with AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) frequently have oral lesions that present as red or purple patches or swellings. The palate is the most common site but lesions also occur on the gingiva, tongue, and oropharynx. KS is usually asymptomatic, but occasionally becomes painful because of ulceration or infection. Bulky gingival lesions that show when the patient smiles or talks may be of concern for cosmetic reasons and may also interfere with oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene and professional cleaning of teeth are, therefore, important in the management of oral KS. Small, well-localized lesions on the palate or gingiva are usually good candidates for treatment with intralesional vinblastine or surgical removal; the carbon dioxide laser is also sometimes useful in removing such lesions. Small lesions may be treated on several occasions to achieve the best results. Large lesions may respond better to radiation therapy, either in one-dose treatment or fractionated treatment delivered for ten to twelve days. Some patients experience episodes of mucositis during therapy and xerostomia is sometimes a problem; both usually improve after therapy. Systemic chemotherapy is indicated for widespread or disseminated disease. …

Dental health behavior and self-reported dental health problems among hospitalized psychiatric patients in Denmark

Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to describe dental health behavior and self-reported oral health problems among hospitalized psychiatric patients. Two hundred and forty dentate patients were interviewed with regard to participation in school dental care, dental visiting habits, self-assessment of oral health, dental anxiety, and oral hygiene habits. Dental visiting habits were associated with gender, psychiatric diagnosis, duration of mental disorder, and fear of dental care. Moreover, toothbrushing habits varied with gender, status as inpatient or day-hospital patient, number of admissions, and psychiatric diagnosis. Constant regular dental visits were observed among 31% of the participants, whereas regular toothbrushing was reported by 55%. Compared with reference figures of the general population, these figures reflect a relatively poorer dental health behavior among the study participants. The study underlines the need for specific preventive dental programs, which aim at improving the poor dental health behavior among psychiatric patients.

Dental caries, gingival health, and oral hygiene of long term survivors of paediatric malignant diseases.

Abstract: Fifty two children who had had cancer and been treated with chemotherapy, and who were long term event free, were examined for caries prevalence, gingival health, and oral hygiene and compared with a control group. A higher dental caries prevalence for the 14-17 year age group was noted. The restorative index was significantly lower in the age group 10-13. There were no significant differences in gingival index, plaque index, or toothbrushing frequency. It is concluded that these patients should be considered as at high risk for caries after cancer treatment. Professional dental follow up should be integrated in the medical follow up.

The oral health of long-term survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: a comparison of three treatment modalities

Abstract: Sixty-eight children who were diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) prior to age 5 years and treated with chemotherapy alone, chemotherapy plus 1800 cGy cranial irradiation (RT), or chemotherapy plus 2400 cGy RT were assessed clinically for overall dental health. All patients were at least 60 months in continuous remission. Dental caries were assessed by NIDR diagnostic criteria, oral hygiene was assessed by the modified Oral Hygiene Index, and gingival health was assessed by the modified gingival index of Loe and Silness. There was no significant difference in caries experience between the three groups nor with the normal population. Those patients that received 2400 cGy RT had significantly higher plaque and periodontal index scores than patients in the other treatment groups. The results of this study suggest that: (1) children with ALL treated with any of the described modalities are at no greater risk of developing dental caries than the normal population; and (2) patients receiving 2400 cGy prior to age 5 years are at greater risk of developing periodontal disease than patients treated with other central nervous system prophylaxis regimens examined in this study.

Dental caries and oral hygiene amongst 12-14 years old handicapped children of Bombay, India.

Abstract: The present study was carried out to assess the oral health status of children suffering from different handicapping conditions studying in various schools of Bombay A total of 593 handicapped children in the age group of 12-14 years were included in the study The prevalence and severity of dental caries was found to be highest in the cerebral palsy group and lowest in the blind group In general, in all the groups the decayed (D) component took predominance over the missing (M) and filled (F) components Periodontal status was assessed using the CPITN and it was found that the bleeding & calculus components were higher than the healthy components in all the groups and almost all the children required treatment in the form of deep scaling and/or prophylaxis and oral hygiene instructions The study confirmed the need of curative and preventive services towards these neglected children of the society

Oral complaints and utilization of dental services in relation to general health factors in a 88‐year‐old Swedish population*

Abstract: The aim of this study was to describe dental state, oral health problems, self-assessed ability to perform oral hygiene and utilization of oral health services in a sample of 88-year-old people (n = 374) and to relate these variables to functional ability, subjective health and drug consumption. The intention was also to identify barriers to utilization of dental care in non-institutionalized elderly people. The results of interviews showed that 46% of the subjects were dentate. Oral complaints were reported by 24% of the home living individuals. Poor health, medication and feelings of loneliness were factors associated with oral discomfort. Difficulties in performing oral hygiene activities were reported by 10% of the subjects and were correlated with functional impairments and feelings of loneliness. Utilization of dental services was correlated with dental state; 72% of the dentate and 8% of the edentulous subjects made regular dental visits. The main reason for not visiting a dentist was "no perceived need". Independent of dental state, some factors were significantly correlated to low demand for dental services; these included feelings of loneliness, functional impairments and low school education.

Dental health of children with cerebral palsy following sialodochoplasty

Abstract: Drooling occurs commonly in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Surgical procedures, known as slalodochoplasties, are often performed for the control of drooling. These include major salivary gland excision, parasympathetic nerve section, duct ligation, and duct re-routing. Alterations in saliva amount, flow, and consistency occur following sialodochoplasty, and the resultant effect on dental homeostasis requires further investigation. This controlled study investigated 19 children with CP following sialodochoplasty (surgery group) and 75 children with CP treated nonsurgically (control group) who attended our hospital. Dental caries experience-including dmft, DMFT, and partial DMFS scores of mandibular incisors and canines only-plaque index, and enamel developmental defects index were recorded. Saliva buffering capacity and bacterial counts were assessed. The surgical group (median DMFT = 5.00) had significantly more dental caries when compared with the control group (median DMFT = 0.00), Wilcoxon Signed-rank Test, P < 0.0001. This study has shown that children with CP following sialodochoplasty have increased risk of dental caries when compared with those treated nonsurgically for drooling. Although no caries predictors were identified, alterations to the caries-protective role of saliva are considered the likely cause. Children who undergo this procedure should receive intensive pre- and postsurgical preventive dental therapy.

Lack of Effect of Oral Hygiene Training on Periodontal Disease Progression Over 3 Years in Adolescents

Abstract: A comprehensive new oral hygiene training program has lately been described and found effective in controlling dental plaque formation and in significantly reducing the incidence of approximal dental caries and gingivitis in adolescents. This study investigated the long-term effect of plaque control on the progression of periodontal diseases in adolescents. A group of 227 Brazilian schoolchildren were followed up over a period of 3 years. The children were divided randomly into 3 groups. The first group was given a needs-related intensive program which combined detailed information to parents and children pertaining to the etiology and prevention of dental diseases, instructions in self-diagnosis of plaque and gingivitis, and a detailed oral hygiene training based on individual needs, together with continued feedback and motivation during the entire 3 years. The second group was given a similar program, but through shorter sessions and with no motivation and feedback and no training in self-diagnosis. A c...

The oral health of long-term residents of a hospital for the intellectually handicapped and psychiatrically ill.

Abstract: The oral health of 207 intellectually handicapped and psychiatrically ill people resident in a long-term hospital was examined Almost three-quarters of the population were mentally retarded, a similar proportion had secondary medical problems in addition to their main reason for admission, and almost all were taking at least one medication Half of the population was edentulous and one-quarter of the edentulous wore a denture or were considered capable of wearing a denture The dentate population had a mean of 228 (SD, 76) teeth, but their condition was poor with a mean of 32 (SD, 44) decayed teeth There were fewer filled teeth than in the national population of similar age, and more teeth were decayed and missing Although root caries was not a significant problem, oral hygiene and periodontal disease were--835 percent of subjects required scaling and cleaning and 177 percent complex periodontal therapy Two-thirds of the population were amenable to treatment in the dental surgery, and one-third required a general anaesthetic for most dental treatment A greater proportion of people who were mentally retarded or had Down's Syndrome required special facilities or an escort nurse to facilitate dental treatment than those who were psychiatrically ill The findings have implications for those seeking to provide care for these groups of people living in the community