This paper describes the prevalence of coronal caries and root caries in a sample of 520 people representative of the noninstitutionalized, dentate population older than age 65 in two rural Iowa counties. The subjects were examined in their homes by trained dental examiners. All prevalence rates were age- and gender-adjusted. Both types of caries were prevalent in the population age 65 and older. If projections of increased numbers of older people and increased retention of teeth are reasonably accurate, caries in older populations may become a significantly greater dental problem, and increased prevention and treatment of caries will be needed for these people.

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