A longitudinal epidemiological study on dental plaque and the development of dental caries--interim results after two years.

1. During the two-year period, caries developed at 20% of the target premolar sites. The attack rate for these surfaces was similar in the plaque panel and the other subjects in the study. 2. The microbial composition of plaque samples from caries-free sites and from carious sites before and after radiographic detection of lesions was broadly similar. 3. Numerical domination of particular sites by S mutans before detection of caries can occur, but has only been observed so far in 2 of 15 sites. 4. Pooled date from sites which have developed lesions indicate a rise in the isolation frequency and mean numbers of S. mutans after detection of caries. This trend was particularly obvious in the one subject who developed bilateral lesions by the second examination and in three of four sites where caries was detected at the fourth examination. Similar observations have been made with lactobacilli. 5. In two of 15 instances no isolations of S mutans were made from sites which developed caries. 6. To date, no single species appears to be uniquely associated with the onset of dental caries.

Sweetened drinks as a source of sugar intake in selected teenagers in south-east England.

Two hundred and forty-six young teenagers taking part in a dental survey in the South-East of England were questioned about their usual drinks. The overwhelming majority of these drinks contained sugar. There were significantly more girls than boys in the group choosing unsweetened beverages. Dissatisfaction with their appearance due to acne or obesity was the main factor which had persuaded a small number who had previously sweetened their tea or coffee to reduce their sugar consumption, use a sugar substitute, or abstain altogether from sweeteining their beverages.