Among children in the United States and Europe, twenty percent of the population endures sixty to eighty percent of cases of dental caries. A similarly skewed distribution of the disease is found throughout the world with some children having none or very few caries and others having a high number. Australia, Nepal, and Sweden (where children receive dental care paid for by the government) have a low incidence of cases of dental caries among children, whereas cases are more numerous in Costa Rica and Slovakia.The classic DMF (decay/missing/filled) index is one of the most common methods for assessing caries prevalence as well as dental treatment needs among populations. This index is based on in-field clinical examination of individuals by using a probe, mirror and cotton rolls. Because the DMF index is done without X-ray imaging, it underestimates real caries prevalence and treatment needs.Bacteria typically associated with dental caries have been isolated from vaginal samples from females who have bacterial vaginosis. History
There is a long history of dental caries. Over a million years ago, hominins such as Paranthropus had cavities. The largest increases in the prevalence of caries have been associated with dietary changes.Archaeological evidence shows that tooth decay is an ancient disease dating far into prehistory. Skulls dating from a million years ago through the Neolithic period show signs of caries, including those from the Paleolithic and Mesolithic ages. The increase of caries during the neolithic period may be attributed to the increased consumption of plant foods containing carbohydrates.
Society and culture
It is estimated that untreated dental caries results in worldwide productivity losses in the size of about US$27 billion yearly. Other animals
Dental caries are uncommon among companion animals. See also
Cariogram

References
Cited sources
Nanci, A. (2013). Ten Cates Oral Histology. Elsevier. ISBN 978-0323078467. External links

Tooth decay at Curlie
Centers for Disease Control: Dental Caries