The prevalence of dental caries in Godhavn and Scoresbysund districts, Greenland

– Previous studies performed in Greenland during the period 1913 to 1945 have shown: 1) that the prevalence of dental caries has been steadily increasing, 2) that the prevalence of dental caries is higher in West Greenland as compared to East Greenland and 3) that dental caries is more prevalent in the main trade stations as compared to the outposts. The present follow‐up study comprising the examination of 525 persons (more than 50% of the population) in Godhavn district (West Greenland) and Scoresbysund district (East Greenland) revealed: 1) that the prevalence of dental caries in Greenland has increased further within the last 20–25 years, 2) that the increase in dental caries in West Greenland has now reached a level equivalent to that of the U.S.A. and Western Europe, 3) that the fastest increase in dental caries incidence has taken place in East Greenland even though the situation still is far better than in West Greenland, and 4) that the most obvious explanation for this increase and the difference in dental caries incidence between West and East Greenland probably is due to changes in dietary habits.