[Oral health care in young people insured by a health insurance fund 3. Dental attendance and oral hygiene habits in the Netherlands between 1987 and 1999].

In 1987, 1993 and 1999 an epidemiological study on oral health was performed in youngsters aged 5, 11, 17 or 23 years, in whom oral health care was covered by a health insurance fund. To obtain data on dental attendance, oral hygiene habits and the use of fluoride tablets questionnaires were used; data on the prevalence of dental plaque and calculus was obtained by clinical observations. The percentage of 5-year-olds attending a dentist at least once a year decreased between 1987 and 1999. In 23-year-olds a shift was observed from an attending frequency of twice to once a year, probably as a result of a change of the regulations of the Health Insurance Funds in 1995. The questionnaire data show that frequency of tooth brushing of 5- and 11-year-old children increased between 1987 and 1999. However, this change did not result in a lower prevalence of dental plaque. In the 17- and 23-year-olds a significant decrease of the prevalence of calculus was found. The use of fluoride tablets by children 5 year of age declined between 1987 and 1999. As the Dutch Society for Oral Health Education, Ivoren Kruis (Ivory Cross), altered the recommendations on the use of these tablets, this change could be expected.