Geographic Variations of Dental Caries in Oregon

Abstract

On the basis of a previous investigation, 2 geographic regions within Oregon were selected for further study as representing a high and a low area of caries incidence. In the Coast region the counties of Clatsop and Coos were investigated, and in the central Oregon region the counties of Deschutes and Klamath. Dental examinations by means of mouth mirror and explorers were given to 741 native born white school children of 14, 15, and 16 yrs. of age. The findings revealed that a difference of varying degree exists in the incidence of dental caries among school children living in 2 regions of the State, and that the more pronounced disparity was observed between Clatsop Co. (14.4 D.M.F. teeth) and Klamath Co. (9.0 D.M.F. teeth); the dental caries experience of school children in both regions was higher than that of subjects of the same age groups examined in other parts of the country; girls experienced higher rates of caries attack and also had received more dental care than boys; and no cases of enamel hypoplasia were discovered.