Evidence of a substantial decrease in dental caries in New Zealand schoolchildren is available from a number of surveys extending over a period of 30 years; the decrease has been particularly apparent over the past five years. Fluoridation of public water supplies and the widespread use of fluoride toothpastes are considered to be having a major influence on caries prevalence. Coinciding with this decrease, and no doubt contributing to it, has been a change of emphasis within the School Dental Service to a more preventive approach.

中文翻译：

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新西兰龋齿患病率下降的证据

从 30 年的多项调查中可以得到新西兰学童龋齿显着减少的证据；过去五年的下降尤其明显。公共供水的氟化和含氟牙膏的广泛使用被认为对龋齿患病率有重大影响。与这种减少同时发生的，无疑是促成这种减少的，是学校牙科服务中心的重点转变为采取更具预防性的方法。