Oral Health Status of Male Swedish Citizens at Admission to Prison

The aim of the study was to describe oral health status as well as risk factors related to the oral health in a prison inmate population at admission. A sample of 186 men admitted to one of Sweden’s prisons were examined and interviewed to collect information. The results indicate a high prevalence of untreated oral disease and oral health risk factors in the sample. Seventy-one percent of the study population indicated drug abuse. Only 4.9% were assessed with completely healthy periodontal tissues, and 66% showed at least one tooth with untreated caries. According to the current regulations on dental care for inmates, only 11% of the study population was entitled to basic dental treatment (except emergency)