Improvement In Dental Health

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31836, 14 November 1968, Page 14

Improvement In Dental Health

(N.Z. Press Association) DUNEDIN, Nov. 13. A nation-wide survey conducted by the University of Otago Dental School has revealed a big improvement in adult dental health in New Zealand, indicating that more people today, particularly in the 20 to 29 age group, have retained their natural teeth.

The survey also showed that of those who still have their own teeth, more than 75 per cent have 25 or more teeth.

“It is obvious that people are taking a greater interest in dental health,” said Associate Professor D. J. Beck, ciate Professor D. J. Beck, head of the department of preventive dentistry at the school.

“With careful attention to cleaning both teeth and gums, and by seeking regular professional advice, many of these adults should continue to retain their teeth,” he said. Associated with Professor Beck in the survey was Mr W. C. Burgess. The survey

itself was carried out under the general guidance of the dean of the dental school, Sir John Walsh. Questionnaires were sent to 5000 adults throughout New [■Zealand, selected at random by a computer from 10 electoral rolls.

The response was described by Professor Beck as “extremely good.” More than 06 per cent of the questionnaires were returned and, with a further 10 per cent returned by the Post Office as undeliverable, this left only 24 per cent unaccounted for.

Information from the completed forms was processed by computer at the university’s computer centre, and the results compared with a similar survey conducted in 1950.

In that year, 45 per cent of New Zealanders aged 20 to 29 were wearing dentures. The equivalent figure in 1968 was 26 per cent. The survey also showed that in the older age groups, a large proportion were wearing dentures which had been made 10 years ago. Professor Beck said it was

apparent that many denturewearers were not aware that changes may occur in their gums, resulting in ill-fitting dentures. People who had full upper and lower dentures should have their mouths and dentures checked by their dentist at least every five years. In many cases, this was not being done.