Effect on caries experience of lifetime residents after 10 years of fluoridation in Townsville, Australia

Abstract

An oral health survey was conducted in the tropical city of Townsville 10 yr after its water supply was fluoridated to a level of 0.7 ppm. The results of the calibration of examiners prior to the survey are presented. Checks on the consistency and comparability of the results obtained by each examiner during the survey show that the results are reliable and reproducible. Dental caries experience of primary and permanent teeth was significantly lower in Townsville than in 16 non-fluoridated towns. Comparisons are also made between the prevalence of caries in Townsville and 4 naturally fluoridated towns.