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Dental health in the United Kingdom and influencing variables

Zahngesundheit in Großbritannien − Einflussvariablen

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Bundesgesundheitsblatt - Gesundheitsforschung - Gesundheitsschutz Aims and scope

Abstract

Objective

To review four key topics pertaining to the oral health of the United Kingdom (UK): (1) provision of state-funded dentistry, (2) trends in oral health, (3) dental caries prevention, and (4) determinants of dental health.

Methods

Data were abstracted, mainly from peer-reviewed publications in the literature. Information was updated where appropriate.

Results

Since the 1948 inception of the National Health Service (NHS) and its General Dental Service (GDS), the system of providing dentistry has evolved in response to changing fiscal and health circumstances. Since the 1970s, the oral health of the population, both children’s dental decay experience and the decline adult tooth loss, has improved steadily and substantially. Approaches towards prevention are discussed and the dominant position of water fluoridation highlighted. The determinants of dental health are analysed.

Conclusion

Dental caries experience of children in the UK and the rest of Europe is highly correlated with national wealth as are two other significant determinants: fluoride toothpaste and sugar consumption. The activity of dental professionals appears to have only a limited influence on levels of oral health. There is reason to believe that UK water fluoridation coverage may broaden.

Zusammenfassung

Ziel

Ziel war ein Review zu vier Schlüsselthemen im Bereich Mundgesundheit in Großbritannien: (1) öffentlich finanziertes Zahnmedizinwesen, (2) Trends, (3) Kariesprävention und (4) Determinanten für die Zahngesundheit.

Methoden

Daten wurden aus der Literatur extrahiert, vor allem aus nach dem Peer-Review-Verfahren veröffentlichten Arbeiten. Gegebenenfalls wurden Informationen aktualisiert.

Ergebnisse

Seit Gründung des National Health Service (NHS) und des General Dental Service (GDS) im Jahr 1948 hat das öffentliche Zahnmedizinwesen auf Veränderungen der finanziellen wie der gesundheitlichen Rahmenbedingungen reagiert und sich weiterentwickelt. Seit den 1970er-Jahren hat sich die populationsbezogene Mundgesundheit stetig und deutlich verbessert, messbar an der Prävalenz von Karies bei Kindern und am Zahnverlust bei Erwachsenen. Präventionsansätze werden diskutiert, die führende Rolle der Trinkwasserfluoridierung wird betont und die Determinanten für Zahngesundheit werden analysiert.

Fazit

Die Prävalenz von Karies bei Kindern in Großbritannien und den übrigen europäischen Ländern korreliert ausgeprägt mit dem Wohlstand der Bevölkerung und mit zwei anderen Determinanten: Fluoridgehalt von Zahnpasten und Zuckerkonsum. Dagegen scheinen aktive Interventionen von professionell im Bereich Zahnmedizin Tätigen nur begrenzten Einfluss auf die Mundgesundheit zu haben. Es bestehen Anhaltspunkte dafür, dass sich die Trinkwasserfluoridierung in Großbritannien noch weiter durchsetzen wird.

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Conflict of interest

The corresponding author states that there are no conflicts of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Oral and Dental Sciences, University of Bristol, Lower Maudlin Street, BS1 2LY, Bristol, UK

    C.S. Drugan

  2. Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, London, UK

    M.C. Downer

Authors
  1. C.S. Drugan
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  2. M.C. Downer
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Correspondence to C.S. Drugan.

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Drugan, C., Downer, M. Dental health in the United Kingdom and influencing variables. Bundesgesundheitsbl. 54, 1027–1034 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00103-011-1333-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00103-011-1333-y

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