Oral health of adolescent and adult Australian Aborigines

Abstract

A pilot survey of oral health included 83 adolescent and adult Aborigines (41 males, 42 females, range 16-70 yr, mean age 37.3 yr), resident in fringe settlements around the far western New South Wales towns of Brewarrina and Walgett, Australia (fluoride in water .ltoreq. 0.02-0.26 parts/106). Dental caries prevalence (mean DIMFT[diseased, injured, missing or filled teeth]/person) increased from 17.1 at 20 yr to 20.7 at 35 yr and declined to 14.6 by the age of 50 yr and over. Oral hygiene (OHI) was poor overall and deteriorated with age. Periodontal status (PI) was significantly correlated with the presence of debris (DI) and calculus (CI). The mean PI increased from 1.7 at 20 yr to 4.8 at 43 yr and over. Tooth mortality reached 75% by the age of 43 yr. Prosthetic needs were correspondingly high, but 95% of denture requirements were unmet. No evidence of effective or sustained oral health care was seen; 38% of subjects needed emergency treatment.