title: The prevalence of root surface caries amongst Irish adults.
abstract: In a national survey of adult dental health conducted in the Republic of Ireland in 1989/90 a total of 1,527 subjects aged 25 and older were examined for root surface caries. It was found that the prevalence of root surface caries was highest in older age groups and also amongst males, residents of non-fluoridated communities and those earning low incomes. Tooth loss masked the potential prevalence of root surface caries. With more persons retaining their natural teeth into middle and old age the prevalence of root surface caries is likely to increase in the future.
authors.affiliation: Oral Health Services Research Centre, University Dental School, Cork, Ireland.
authors.forename: H P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Whelton
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Holland
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: O'Mullane
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D004245:DMF Index; D005260:Female; D005457:Fluoridation; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009066:Mouth, Edentulous / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D017213:Root Caries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012737:Sex Factors