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Fure S. Caries Res 2003; 37: 462–469

In 1987, random samples of 150 Göteborg residents were selected from 3 age groups: 55, 65 and 75 yrs. Dentate subjects only were examined: 88, 72 and 48 subjects in the respective groups. In 1997, 56, 37 and 9 subjects were examined in the 3 groups, and a new sample of 98 55-yr-olds.

Over the 10 years, 131 teeth were lost, in about half the subjects examined. More teeth were lost in men than women; more were lost in the upper jaw, and most were posterior teeth. Caries and sequelae accounted for 60% of tooth loss, and periodontitis for 35%. Mean DFS increments were: coronal, 4.8, root caries, 7.1.

In the 3 age groups compared over the 10 yrs, both coronal and root caries had decreased. The authors comment that these elderly persons were increasingly determined to retain their teeth, but caries required more preventive measures.