Assessment of awake bruxism by a novel bruxism screener and ecological momentary assessment among patients with masticatory muscle myalgia and healthy controls.

BACKGROUND: Bruxism is a masticatory muscle activity occurring during sleep or wakefulness, involving grinding and clenching of teeth and/or jaw bracing. As yet, the aetiology, epidemiology and consequences of awake bruxism (AB) are largely unknown. OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to AB behaviours using a novel bruxism screener (BruxScreen) questionnaire part and Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA; BruxApp©) on AB behaviours, and to investigate AB's prevalence among masticatory muscle myalgia patients and non-patients. METHODS: Altogether, 115 participants (masticatory myalgia patients referred to a specialist clinic (n = 67) and non-patients (n = 46)) filled in a bruxism screener questionnaire to report bruxism behaviours and jaw symptoms. A selection of both groups did a week-long EMA (patients n = 12, non-patients n = 11) to report AB behaviours. The chi-squared test was used to determine group differences in categorical variables. A logistic regression model was fitted to study the probability of AB. RESULTS: According to BruxScreen, bruxism behaviours and jaw symptoms were more frequent in patients than in non-patients (p < .001). Based on EMA, 14.6% of the behaviour in patients was tooth clenching; for non-patients, this was 0.5% (p < .000). Relaxed muscles were reported by patients and non-patients at 20.6% and 56.4%, respectively (p < .021). Logistic regression, adjusted by age and sex, revealed that patients reported AB 5 times more often than non-patients (OR 4.8, 95% CI 2.1-11.2). CONCLUSION: Awake bruxism behaviours are significantly more frequent in masticatory muscle myalgia patients than non-patients and associate with frequent bruxism-related symptoms. Self-reported teeth clenching seems to be the most significant sign of AB behaviour.

Awake bruxism in temporomandibular disorders patients referred to tertiary care: A retrospective study on its assessment and TMD management.

BACKGROUND: Bruxism is defined as a repetitive jaw-muscle activity characterised by clenching or grinding of the teeth and/or by bracing or thrusting of the mandible. Bruxism can occur during sleep (sleep bruxism, SB) or during wakefulness (awake bruxism, AB). To date, the effect of AB on the purported negative consequences of bruxism has remained unclear. OBJECTIVES: The assessment of AB, its relation to temporomandibular disorders (TMD) treatment modalities, and their possible outcomes were investigated among TMD patients resistant to treatment in primary care and referred to a tertiary care clinic. METHODS: The records of 115 patients were studied. Patients were referred to the Head and Neck Centre, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Helsinki University Central Hospital, for TMD treatment between 2017 and 2020. The data derived from the eligible patients' records included the following: background data (age and sex), referral data (reason and previous treatment), medical background (somatic and psychiatric), clinical and possible radiological diagnoses at a tertiary care clinic, treatment modalities for masticatory muscle myalgia, bruxism assessment, its possible treatment modalities and their outcomes, and overall management outcome. We analysed the outcomes of single treatment modalities and combined groups of modalities. For the demographic data, the Chi-squared test and Fischer's Exact test were used to determine the associations between the categorical variables. A Sankey-diagram was used to describe the flow of treatment. RESULTS: Temporomandibular joint-pain-dysfunction syndrome (K07.60) was the most frequent single reason to refer a patient to tertiary care (17.4%). At referral, men had myalgia (M79.1) significantly more often (p = .034) than women. Similarly, men had depression (p = .002) more often and other psychiatric diagnoses (p = .034). At tertiary care, the presence of AB was assessed in 53.9%, and self-reported AB was recorded in 48.7%. In patients with possible AB, those who were prescribed neuropathic pain medication showed significantly less improvement in symptoms (p = .021) than those who underwent splint therapy (p = .009). Overall, half of the patients showed overall improvement in their TMD symptoms from the treatment combinations. CONCLUSION: Despite several treatment modalities, only half of the patients showed improvement in their symptoms in the present study. A standardised assessment method encompassing all factors contributing to bruxism behaviours and their consequences is suggested.

General- and Oral-Health-Related Predisposing Factors for Interrupting Military Service in the Finnish Defence Forces.

INTRODUCTION: Finland's security policy relies heavily on its own independent national defense, which is based on conscription. In 2011, 26,492 conscripts started their military service in Finland. Of these, 1,706 interrupted their military service and 191 changed to civilian service. Conscripts who interrupt their service seem to have an increased tendency to smoking, alcohol consumption, and taking snuff, which previous studies suggest to have strong associations with the need for restorative dental treatment and with lower socioeconomic status. The aim of this study was to compare the general and oral health habits between Finnish conscripts who interrupt their service and those who completed their military service and to find out what general- and oral-health-related factors could be used in predicting interruption of service. METHODS: The study population consisted of 13,819 conscripts taking an oral examination during the service. Of these, 8,449 answered a computer-based anamnestic questionnaire and 264 interrupted their service.Predisposing factors on the anamnestic questionnaire for interrupting military service were evaluated by using a binary logistic regression model. The statistically significant factors were selected to form a sum variable which finally consisted of seven predisposing questions. Odds ratio (OR) values and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each question and for the sum variable. Predictive accuracy was assessed by area under the receiver-operating curve. RESULTS: The most obvious predisposing factor among those who interrupted their service compared to the reference group was lack of weekly physical exercise (OR = 5.80). The risk for interruption of military service was 68.6 times higher in cases where a subject exhibited six predisposing factors out of seven compared to those who had none. CONCLUSION: As a conclusion, a set of statistically chosen anamnestic questions could help identify conscripts who have an increased risk of interruption of military service in addition to a risk of dental problems.

The association between dental caries and physical activity, physical fitness, and background factors among Finnish male conscripts.

Studies on measured physical fitness and oral health are sparse. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between self-reported physical activity and measured physical fitness and oral health of young men. The study population consisted of 13,564 Finnish male conscripts who had mandatory clinical oral examinations and physical fitness tests at the beginning of military service in 2011. Finally, around 10,800 conscripts had physical fitness test outcomes available and a total of 8552 conscripts answered a computer-based questionnaire on background factors. Decayed Tooth (DT) and Decayed, Missing, or Filled Tooth (DMFT) indices, outcomes of surveys and fitness tests were used in analyses by cross-tabulation and multivariable logistic regression model (odds ratios [OR] with 95% confidence interval [CI]) were calculated. Regularly exercising conscripts had a reduced need for dental restorative treatment than those reporting no physical activity (p < 0.0001). The proportion of participants with sound dentition (DT = 0) increased steadily with increasing physical activity (39.0-59.4%). Good measured physical fitness was a protective factor against increased dental restorative treatment need. A low prevalence of smoking and low use of alcohol and energy drinks were associated with frequent exercise, whereas consumption of sport drinks and snuff use were common among those who exercised frequently. Good measured physical fitness and self-reported physical activity are associated with reduced caries burden. There is a need for information about the harms of tobacco products and the benefits of a healthy diet, even for the increased energy needs of the physically active.

Correction: Patinen et al. Caries Experience and Erosive Tooth Wear in Finnish Men Conscripts 2021: A Cross-Sectional Study. Dent. J. 2022, 10, 122.

There was an error in the original publication [...].

Effect of Botulinum Toxin Injection on EMG Activity and Bite Force in Masticatory Muscle Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) is increasingly used in treating masticatory muscle pain disorder; however, safe doses and reinjection intervals still need to be established. The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the degree and duration of the impairment of masticatory muscle performance. Fifty-seven subjects were randomly divided into two groups: one of which received BoNT-A first (n = 28) while the other received saline first (n = 29), with the cross-over being in week 16, and a total follow-up period of 32 weeks. A total dose of 50 U of BoNT-A was injected in the masseter and temporal muscles bilaterally. Electromyographic (EMG) activity and bite forces were assessed. A significant reduction in EMG activity was observed up to week 18 (p ≤ 001), with total recovery at week 33. A significant reduction in maximum bite force was observed up to week 11 (p ≤ 005), with total recovery at week 25. In conclusion, when treating masticatory muscle pain disorder with 50 U of BoNT-A, a reinjection interval of 33 weeks can be considered safe since the recovery of muscle function occurs by that time.

Caries Experience and Erosive Tooth Wear in Finnish Men Conscripts 2021: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: In Finland, the development of oral health in young, 19- to 21-year-old males regarding restorative treatment need seems to have slowed down according to cross-sectional conscript studies between 1976 and 2011. At the individual level, the mean number of decayed teeth (DT > 0) has also steadily continued to decline. In Finland, military service is mandatory, and around 85% of males complete it. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the oral health status of young men at the beginning of the 2020s. METHODS: The data were collected in July 2021 in the eight biggest Finnish Defence force garrisons by ten calibrated dentists serving in the ranks. The inclusion criteria for this study were a year of birth between 2000 and 2002 and male gender (n = 508). Third molars were included. Restorative treatment need was evaluated using ICDAS scoring. The study was designed according to the STROBE guidelines. RESULTS: Mean DT value was 1.13 when third molars were included and 1.03 when they were excluded. Mean DMFT value was 3.23 and 2.98, respectively. The proportion of conscripts with DT > 0 was 36.4% and 34.8%, respectively. The prevalence of caries was concentrated among a small number of conscripts. Most (76.6%) had BEWE (basic erosive wear examination) of 0­2. Conscripts in the moderate and severe ETW (erosive tooth wear) groups (BEWE 3-13) comprised 23.5% of the cohort. None of the conscripts fell into the most severe group (BEWE 14-18). CONCLUSIONS: The oral health of conscripts has improved over the last ten years, and restorative treatment need has decreased significantly. Compared to previous studies, restorative treatment need was concentrated on an even smaller proportion of conscripts.

Ecological Momentary Assessment of Awake Bruxism with a Smartphone Application Requires Prior Patient Instruction for Enhanced Terminology Comprehension: A Multi-Center Study.

The prevalence of awake bruxism (AB) has been reported as being 30%, with sleep bruxism (SB) at 9−15%. Most studies have focused on SB, emphasizing the importance of AB research. For epidemiological evaluations of AB, a smartphone application based on ecological momentary assessment (EMA) was introduced. The aims of this multi-center study were: (1) to investigate how well lay subjects comprehend the AB terminology used in the smartphone application, and (2) to find out whether professional instruction improved their comprehension. The study population consisted of lay subjects from Italy, Portugal, and Finland comprising 307 individuals (156 men, 151 women; 18−86 years). Subjects first completed a five-item questionnaire about the meanings of the five AB terms used in the smartphone application. Each question offered four answer options, with one being correct. Immediately afterwards, the meanings of the terms were instructed. Lastly, the subjects were re-tested with the same questionnaire. In Finland and Italy, the re-tested correct answer scores for the single terms were at 89−97% per term. Improved comprehension was seen across sex, education, and age groups. In the Portuguese data, no improvement was found. Significant differences were found between countries in the improved scores for all terms that were correct following the instruction (Finland, 16.3% to 72.1%; Italy, 32.3% to 83.8%; Portugal, 23.1% to 33.7%) (p < 0.001). In conclusion, standardized instruction on AB terminology prior to EMA is recommended to improve the reliability of collected data.

Association of Dental Fear with Caries Status and Self-Reported Dentition-Related Well-Being in Finnish Conscripts.

The main aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the prevalence of dental fear among Finnish conscripts. Other aims were to study the association between dental fear and cariological status as well as their self-reported, dentition-related well-being. The study material consisted of 13,564 men and 255 women conscripts who underwent oral examinations. Of those, 8713 responded to a computer-based questionnaire. The mean number of decayed teeth (DT) was used in analyses for cariological status. Self-reported dental fear, dentition-related well-being and regular check-ups were analysed. Data were analysed with cross tables, Pearson Chi-Square tests, Fisher's exact test and binary logistic regressive analysis. High dental fear or finding dental visits very scary was associated with DT > 2 both among women (14.6%, when DT = 0; 33.3%, when DT > 2) and men conscripts (2.3% and 10.8%, respectively). In addition, those reporting that dental health had a negative impact on their well-being and had no regular check-ups were more likely to need cariological treatment than the rest. A high education level, both one's own and parental, was a protective factor for restorative treatment need in male conscripts. The findings of this study support the concept of a vicious cycle of dental fear and dental caries. A preventive, interactive way of work by dental teams would most likely be beneficial for dental health, avoiding the development of dental fear, and dentition-related well-being.

Mandibular advancement device therapy for obstructive sleep apnea: A longitudinal study among patients treated in community dental care in Finland - Potential for the precision medicine approach.

Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an increasing health problem worldwide. The aim was to evaluate long-term mandibular advancement device (MAD) therapy outcomes in community dental care among OSA patients in Finland.Methods: In all, 142 (77.2%) respondents of a questionnaire, with recently initiated treatment, were included in the study in 2010. Follow-up questionnaires were mailed in 2012 and 2017.Results: Problems occurred with the device long-term. Orofacial pain was reported more often in 2012 than in 2010 (p < 0.01). Snoring (p < 0.01) and tiredness (p < 0.05) were also significantly increased. In 2017, 50 subjects were still continuing with MAD, 20 of them as a single treatment modality. Treatment modalities in combination with MAD were CPAP, nutrition counseling, and position treatment.Discussion: Long-term MAD treatment may lead to a changing treatment-mix and set-backs. This may not only be a treatment adherence issue but also a lack of precision medicine approach regarding OSA.

Regional Variation in Restorative Treatment Need among Finnish Young People.

AIM: To evaluate the regional variation in restorative treatment need among Finnish young people based on the socioeconomic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 20 garrisons of the Finnish Defence Forces in January and July 2011. The study population comprised 13,819 Finnish conscripts born in the beginning of 1990s, including females. A computer-based survey was done together with clinical oral examination to gather background information, e.g., educational status. Furthermore, average annual income of the conscript's residence municipality was achieved from the Statistics of Finland. The zip code of the place of residence of each conscript was later extracted from the Mildoc® system. Georeferenced place of residence and income status were merged as information on provinces' level in a dataset. The association between the outcome variable and explanatory variables was determined by using the generalized linear mixed model, and geomaps were constructed. RESULTS: Mean D value was 1.41 ranging from 0.89 (Kymenlaakso) to 2.33 (Kainuu). Higher education and high-income level were protective factors for restorative treatment need. Restorative treatment need was also low in those areas with high (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.56-0.87) and medium (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.70-0.89) yearly income compared to low yearly income. The high odds for the need of restorative treatment were discovered in Northern Ostrobothnia (OR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.53-3.33) followed by Central Ostrobothnia (OR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.17-3.70), Uusimaa (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.16-2.08), and Central Finland (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.10-2.16) compared to Varsinais-Suomi. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, there is a significant regional variation in restorative treatment need among Finnish young people in their twenties based on the socioeconomic factors.

Comprehensive evaluation of botulinum toxin treatment outcomes of a patient with persistent myofascial orofacial pain.

The outcome evaluation method presented in this case study, including Axes I and II findings combined with the results of quantitative bite force and EMG measurements, provides a good tool for proper evaluation of the effect of BoNT-A on patients with myofascial orofacial pain and changes in jaw muscle function.

Association of Temporomandibular Disorder Symptoms with Physical Fitness among Finnish Conscripts.

Studies on the role of physical fitness, physical activity and obesity as risk factors for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are scarce. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of TMD symptoms with physical fitness, physical activity and body mass index (BMI) among Finnish conscripts. The study sample consisted of 8685 Finnish conscripts. Data on self-reported TMD symptoms were used as outcome variables. Physical activity (questionnaire), physical fitness (measured with physical tests: Cooper test, push-ups, sit-ups and standing long jump) and body mass index (BMI) were used as explanatory variables. The associations between TMD symptoms and explanatory variables were evaluated using Chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of all TMD symptoms was significantly higher among those who exercised more rarely than weekly. Pain-related TMD symptoms were also significantly more frequent among those who were overweight (BMI ≥ 25). Poor push-up results and overweight (BMI ≥ 25) were significantly associated with jaw pain and TMJ pain at jaw rest. The present study showed that good physical fitness may be a protective factor against TMD pain. Dentists should also be prepared to motivate TMD patients to physical activity and regular exercise as part of the treatment.

Quality and Findings of Bitewing Radiographs among Twenty-Year-Old Conscripts in Finland.

OBJECTIVES: Bitewing radiographs are mainly used to confirm clinical findings in caries diagnostics. The objective here was to investigate the quality of bitewing radiographs after short brush-up training and additional findings besides caries in a low-caries population. METHODS: The material of this cross-sectional study comprised 377 pairs of bitewing radiographs of 19- to 20-year-olds taken by dentists. Radiography was considered indicated if one dentinal caries lesion was present on clinical examination. A senior oral radiologist evaluated quality and diagnosed the findings afterwards unaware of clinical status. The association between variables was analysed using cross tabulation and chi-squared testing. RESULTS: Almost half of the images were of compromised quality (44.1%). Dentinal caries lesions were detected in 82.3% and enamel lesions in 73.5% of the subjects. On average, the subjects had 1.7 (SD 0.52) dentinal lesions. Fillings were found in 81.8%, fractures/cracks in 11.7%, and attrition in 7.4% of the subjects. Signs of excessive bite force were recorded in 19.4%, whereas marginal bone loss was detected in 6.4%. No significant correlation was detected between fractures, attrition, and excessive bite forces. CONCLUSIONS: Effort must be taken to ensure high quality of bitewing radiographs. In addition to caries detection, bitewing radiographs offer additional value, such as detecting excessive bite forces, tooth wear, and marginal bone loss among young adults.

Can health kiosks be used to identify oral health care needs? A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of digital imaging for detecting restorative treatment need among individuals in their 20s by comparing the outcome of digital imaging with clinical caries findings at the patient level. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five intraoral clinical daylight and digital fluorescence images were taken extraorally of 21 patients. A clinical examination was then performed by a trained and calibrated dentist. Additionally, the patients answered a multiple-choice questionnaire about their health habits. The images were analysed and caries findings were recorded. For statistical analysis, sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Results were shown as ROC curves and AUC values. All analyses were done using SPSS (version 24.0, Chicago, IL). RESULTS: Caries lesions were most often detected in molars and least often in canines. When using the clinical status as gold standard, digital imaging gave an AUC value of 0.617, whereas the outcome by questionnaire gave an AUC value of 0.719. When using the combined outcome of digital imaging and the questionnaire, the AUC value was 0.694 with clinical validation. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that health kiosks may help to reduce the number of patients waiting for dental treatment; more specifically, the questionnaire with individual feedback may provide a new instrument for providing instructions for homecare online. However, the camera system must be developed further, and dentists and dental hygienists require training to analyse the images.

Focal atrophy of the unilateral masticatory muscles caused by pure trigeminal motor neuropathy: case report.

Patients with unknown clinical or radiological asymmetry in the face structures combined with atrophy and weakness of the masticatory muscles should be comprehensively examined clinically and with MRI, neurophysiological measurements, and serologically. Malignant lesions or benign idiopathic unilateral trigeminal motor neuropathy should be considered as an etiological explanation for the asymmetry.

Comparison of simple screening criteria with the International Caries Detection and Assessment System classification in determining restorative treatment need.

INTRODUCTION: The Finnish Defence Forces' unique oral health-screening protocol (FDFsp) has been in use for decades. In FDFsp, restorative treatment need is determined based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of screening restorative treatment need with the outcome of using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) classification at both individual and tooth levels. Our hypothesis was that the outcome of screening with FDFsp agrees with the outcome of using the ICDAS classification. METHODS: In this study, a trained, calibrated examiner estimated, in a visual-tactile manner the restorative treatment need of 337 young healthy adults using the FDFsp. During the screening, 74 conscripts were selected for a thorough inspection. The inclusion criteria for those selected were: having no, having one to five, or having six or more caries lesions needing restorative treatment. In the thorough inspection, the participants were inspected in a visual-tactile manner using the ICDAS classification. The association of the outcomes achieved using the two different methods was analysed at individual and tooth levels. Sensitivity, specificity, and kappa values were calculated. Wisdom teeth were excluded. RESULTS: At the individual level, the agreement between the outcomes of using FDFsp and ICDAS ≥4 was excellent: sensitivity, 94.1%; specificity, 97.5%; and kappa = 0.92. When ICDAS ≥3 was used, the values were 72.7%, 96.7%, and 0.66%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Screening performed by a trained examiner using specific criteria is a reliable method for detecting individuals with restorative treatment need. The outcome of screening agrees strongly with results using the ICDAS classification.

Smoking, alcohol use, socioeconomic background and oral health among young Finnish adults.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of smoking and alcohol use in association with dental caries experience and signs of periodontal disease in a Finnish male group born in the early 1990s. The impacts of health behaviour and socioeconomic factors were included in the analyses. METHODS: Oral health of 8539 conscripts was screened in a cross-sectional study (DT, DMFT and CPI). They also answered a questionnaire covering their habits of smoking and alcohol use as well as other behaviours and background factors. The bleeding on probing index (BOP) was available on 6529 conscripts. Cross-tabulation together with a chi-squared test and generalized linear mixed models were used in the analyses. A mosaic figure was used to illustrate associations of smoking frequency, use of dental services and toothache. RESULTS: Majority (80.9%) in the study group consumed alcohol at least once a month, and 39.4% were daily smokers. Smoking was statistically significantly associated with high caries experience and high bleeding values of gums. Consumption of alcohol was not associated with dental caries and periodontal disease. The high BOP value had the strongest association with infrequent tooth brushing and smoking. The participant's own education level was the main protective factor of oral health. The smokers used dental services more frequently compared to the non-smokers mostly for acute care. CONCLUSIONS: Young men's health behaviour, especially of those with low education, does not promote oral health, which may indicate need for extensive healthcare services in the future. Health promotion should not be neglected.

Association of smoking and snuffing with dental caries occurrence in a young male population in Finland: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of smoking and snuffing habits in association with dental caries occurrence in a male cohort born in the early 1990s in Finland. The impact of health behaviours and factors related to the place of residence were included in analyses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oral health of 8537 conscripts was screened in a cross-sectional study. In the same occasion they also answered a questionnaire covering their smoking and snuffing habits and other background factors. The residence-related factors were obtained from the Defence Forces' database. Cross-tabulation together with chi-squared test and generalized linear mixed models were used for analyses. RESULTS: Almost forty per cent (39.4%) of the men reported smoking daily and 9.0% reported daily snuffing. Restorative treatment need of those who reported frequent smoking was more than 2-fold (mean DT = 2.22) compared to the non-smokers (mean DT = 1.07). Smoking was statistically significantly associated with other harmful health behaviours. The snuffers reported more snacking than the non-smokers, but were most frequent brushers. The result from the statistical modelling showed that smoking, low tooth brushing frequency, eating sweets and consuming energy drinks frequently were significantly associated with restorative treatment need. CONCLUSION: In this cross-sectional study, association between smoking and dental caries was distinct. The high rate of restorative treatment need among smokers may be explained by their poor health behaviours. Dietary habits of the snuffers seem harmful too, but are compensated by good tooth brushing frequency.

Prevalence and polarization of dental caries among young, healthy adults: Cross-sectional epidemiological study.

OBJECTIVE: Oral health of young people has improved in the industrialized countries during past decades. However, stagnation of this progress has been reported recently. The main aim of this epidemiological study was to investigate the level of cariological treatment history and need (DMFT, DT) and polarization of dental caries among a healthy young male population born in the early 1990s. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oral health of 13,564 men and 255 women born in 1990, 1991 or 1992 was screened based on the WHO criteria for epidemiological studies by 15 calibrated dentists in 20 garrisons (of a total 24) of the Finnish Defence Forces in January and July 2011. Mean DMFT and DT (SD) values and their distribution were calculated excluding wisdom teeth. Polarization was investigated using the Lorentz analysis. RESULTS: Mean DMFT, DT and FT values were DMFT = 4.1 (SD = 4.2), DT = 1.4 (SD = 2.5) and FT = 2.7 (SD = 2.9). Almost half of the men (45.1%) and one third of the women (37.3%) had at least one tooth needing restorative treatment. About 30% of the conscripts had 90% of all caries lesions and ∼ 10% of the conscripts had half of all lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Oral health of young males has not improved since the previous study among conscripts 15 years ago. Polarization of dental caries still exists. About half of the young male population still has manifested dental caries. Oral health promotion must not be neglected, even in countries with low caries prevalence.