Description:
<jats:p><b><i>Background/Aim:</i></b> There are few studies of caries development and caries-related factors from early age to young adulthood. The aim of the present study is to analyse caries prevalence in 20-year-olds in relation to their previous caries experience. <b><i>Method:</i></b> Oral health from 3 to 20 years of age was followed longitudinally in a cohort of 499 individuals. The clinical and radiographic incidence of caries and restorations in 494 20-year-olds was related to caries data at 3, 6 and 15 years of age. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Twenty-six per cent of the 20-year-olds were caries-free. The mean number of initial and manifest lesions and restorations (D<sub>i + m</sub>FS) was 5.8. Initial lesions comprised 40% of the D<sub>i + m</sub>FS. Of the occlusal surfaces of molars and premolars, 12 and 4%, respectively, had manifest caries or restorations. Compared with individuals who had been caries-free during childhood (primary dentition) and adolescence, those with a history of caries activity while growing up had statistically significantly more approximal lesions at the age of 20 (D<sub>m</sub>FSa 0.6 vs. D<sub>m</sub>FSa 4.6, respectively). Those with manifest caries during childhood but caries-free at 15 years had a low caries prevalence at 20 years of age (D<sub>m</sub>FSa 1.3). Few new lesions developed after age 15. However, 50% of initial lesions at this age had progressed to manifest lesions at age 20. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> There is a relationship between caries prevalence at age 20 and early caries experience.</jats:p>