Dental Abnormalities And Caries Prevalence In British Columbia Indians.

Three-rooted lower first permanent molars and small dens in dente in upper incisors occur more frequently in British Columbia Indians than in average white populations. Most Indians' jaws are large and well formed, with uncrowded dental arches, but racial admixture, premature loss of deciduous teeth and physically as well as nutritionally inadequate diets predispose to reduced jaw size and crowded arches observed in some Indians. Permanent teeth erupt at an earlier age than in white children. Caries prevalence in four groups of Indian children was extremely high. Rampant caries is attributed to a highly cariogenic diet and neglect of oral hygiene. Caries is less prevalent in communities that are relatively isolated from a source of refined foods. Illegible graphics. Table. Bibliography.