Final answer:
The increase in dental caries influenced public health services at the primary prevention level, including promoting oral hygiene and lobbying for water fluoridation to reduce tooth decay and improve oral health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The epidemiologic data that indicated an increase in dental caries in a certain population influenced changes to public health services at the level of primary prevention. Primary prevention aims to prevent diseases or injuries before they occur, and in this case, promoting basic oral hygiene and water fluoridation serves this purpose. Community water fluoridation is recognized as the most cost-effective method of delivering fluoride to all, helping to decrease the incidence of dental caries by strengthening the tooth enamel with frequent and consistent contact with low levels of fluoride.
Fluoride's role in combatting tooth decay is crucial, as it not only rebuilds weakened tooth enamel but also maintains the minerals in teeth to prevent cavity formation. Given that enamel is still susceptible to the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth from sugar consumption, measures such as reducing sugar intake, utilizing sugarless candies, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and undergoing regular dental cleanings can further assist in the reduction of caries and enhance oral health.