Gingival health and oral hygiene practices among high school children in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Gingivitis is a site-specific inflammatory condition initiated by dental biofilm accumulation. The accumulation of dental plaque on the gingival margin triggers inflammatory effects that can become chronic. In addition to its local effect, gingival inflammation has recently been suggested to have an impact on general health. OBJECTIVE: Determine the prevalence of gingivitis and its relationship to oral hygiene practices in high school children in Saudi Arabia. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: High schools from different regions in Saudi Arabia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Periodontal examinations were conducted on a randomly selected sample of high school children between the ages of 15 and 19 years. Gingival and plaque indices, probing depth, clinical attachment level, oral hygiene practices and sociodemographic characteristics were recorded. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square and the independent t test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Prevalence of gingivitis as defined by mean gingival index. SAMPLE SIZE: 2435 high school students. RESULTS: Twenty-one percent of the sample had slight gingivitis, 42.3% had moderate, and 1.8% had severe. Gender, toothbrushing, tongue brushing, plaque index, and the percentage of pocket depth (PD) ≥4 mm showed a significant relationship with the severity of gingivitis. Almost 39.3% of females had a healthy periodontal status when compared to males (30.7%). Thirty-five percent (35.5%) of students who brushed their teeth had a healthy periodontium compared to 26.9% who did not brush. The mean plaque index was significantly higher in students with severe gingivitis when compared to students with healthy periodontium (2.4 vs. 0.79, respectively). CONCLUSION: Gingivitis prevalence was high compared with Western countries in a nationally representative sample of high school students in Saudi Arabia and was influenced by oral hygiene practices. LIMITATIONS: The half-mouth study design may underestimate disease prevalence. Data on oral hygiene practices was self-reported and may thus have been affected by social desirability bias. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.

Excessive computer use as an oral health risk behaviour in 18-year-old youths from Poland: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Many studies have indicated that the excessive use of computers (more than 3 hr/d) might be associated with an unhealthy life-style. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between excessive computer use with the condition of the teeth and periodontium and the oral health behaviour of 18-year-olds. Design: Cross-sectional studies, using a questionnaire, were carried out on 1,611 18-year-olds from Poland. The questionnaire contained questions about socioeconomic status and information about health-related behaviour. The condition of their teeth and gingivae were clinically assessed. Results: Excessive (>3 h/d) computer use was reported by 492 (31%) of participants, who had an increased frequency of unfilled cavities (1.97 vs. 2.27, p = .047) and a higher risk of oral hygiene neglect (e.g., using dental floss 41% vs. 34%, p = .009). Excessive computer use was also seen to be associated with poor dietary habits. Individuals who declared excessive computer use also had a higher risk of gingival bleeding (35% vs. 29%, p = .009). Conclusion: In the group studied, excessive computer use by adolescents constituted a risk factor for neglect of oral hygiene, poor dietary choices, and failure to benefit from oral health care. Therefore, these aspects should be included in the risk assessment of oral disease and incorporated into educational programs that promote a healthy lifestyle.

Oral Health in Polish Fifteen-year-old Adolescents.

PURPOSE: To assess caries prevalence and periodontal condition in adolescents in Poland and investigate the factors related to oral health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A national survey was carried out among 615 15-year-olds of both sexes living in urban and rural areas. Subjects were selected via cluster sampling. The mean DMFT and its components, the tooth distribution pattern of caries and percentage of subjects with gingival bleeding and gingival pockets were analysed. The information regarding sociodemographic, oral hygiene and nutritional variables was collected via questionnaire to evaluate their relationships with caries and periodontal parameters. The t-test, bivariate and multivariate logistic analyses were conducted to evaluate the differences and dependent variables of caries prevalence and gingivitis. RESULTS: Caries prevalence was 94.0%, and DMFT was 5.75 ± 3.74. Higher DMFT, DT and MT values were found in rural areas. 50% of the subjects carried about 75% of the total caries burden. Severe caries (DMFT ≥7) was associated with toothbrushing less than twice a day, not using a fluoridated dentifrice, frequent consumption of snacks and absence of pit-and-fissure sealants. The prevalence of gingival bleeding was 37.4% and shallow pockets 2.8%, which were higher in males and rural areas. Gingival bleeding was associated with toothbrushing less than a twice a day, not using dental floss and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables less than once a week. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of oral diseases in Poland is very high. Additional strategies must be implemented to promote oral health early on to improve oral hygiene practices and nutritional habits.

Oral health and performance impacts in elite and professional athletes.

OBJECTIVES: To measure dental caries, erosive tooth wear (ETW), periodontal health, self-reported oral health problems and performance impacts in a representative sample of UK elite athletes from different sports using standardized conditions clearly defined clinical indices and a measure of impact on performance with evidence of validity in sport. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, with single, calibrated examiner, conducted in the local facilities of elite and professional UK athletes (UCL ethics number 6388/001). Main oral measures: dental caries (ICDAS), erosive tooth wear (BEWE), periodontal health (BPE) and athlete-reported performance impacts. RESULTS: We recruited 352 athletes from eleven sports. The mean age was 25 years (range 18-39), and 67.0% were male. We found caries (ICDAS code ≥3) in 49.1% of athletes, ETW (BEWE score of ≥7) in 41.4%, gingival bleeding on probing/presence of calculus (BPE score 1 or 2) in 77.0% and pocket probing depths of at least 4 mm (BPE score 3 or 4) in a further 21.6%. One in five athletes reported previous wisdom teeth problems. The odds of having caries were 2.4 times greater in team sport than endurance sport (95% CI 1.3-3.2). The odds of having erosion were 2.0 times greater in team sport than endurance sport (95% CI 1.3-3.1). Overall, 32.0% athletes reported an oral health-related impact on sport performance: oral pain (29.9%), difficulty participating in normal training and competition (9.0%), performance affected (5.8%) and reduction in training volume (3.8%). Other impacts were difficulty with eating (34.6%), relaxing (15.1%) and smiling (17.2%). Several oral health problems were associated with performance impacts. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first large representative sample study of oral health in athletes from different sports at elite level. Although experience of oral disease differs by sport, the prevalence, in UK elite and professional athletes, is substantial, with common self-reported performance impacts. Regular screening and use of effective oral health promotion strategies may minimize performance impacts from poor oral health.

Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in young seniors in the Wroclaw region.

BACKGROUND: The morbidity of certain oral pathologies, for example denture-related stomatitis, burning mouth syndrome (BMS) and benign neoplasms is higher in the elderly. It is necessary to periodically assess the changes in the profile of the occurrence of these diseases and determine the dominant risk factors associated with their incidence. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of oral mucosal pathologies (in particular, potentially malignant and cancerous disorders) in a randomly selected population of 65-74-year-old residents of Wroclaw and Olawa, Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 1,600 persons aged 65-74 years, living in Wroclaw (a large city) and Olawa (a small town) were randomly selected to participate in the study. 285 people from Wroclaw and 102 from Olawa were examined. In a clinical dental examination, the following parameters were assessed: the number of teeth; probing/pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) for all the teeth at 4 measuring points (on this basis, periodontal diagnoses were made according to American recommendations - of the American Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Periodontology (CDC/AAP)); and the presence of prosthetic restorations and their quality. In the anamnestic study, variables concerning the socioeconomic status, systemic conditions (comorbidity of selected general diseases, nicotine addiction status, body mass) and selected behaviors promoting oral health were determined. RESULTS: The most common clinical changes in the oral mucosa were denture-related stomatitis (6.7%), hemangiomas (5.9%) and fibromas (4.1%). Potentially malignant disorders and cancerous lesions were diagnosed in 59 persons (15.2% of the respondents). One case of tongue cancer was diagnosed in an inhabitant of Olawa. CONCLUSIONS: More than 1/3 of the examined persons were diagnosed with certain clinical, pathological oral mucosal lesions requiring treatment, of which nearly half were potentially malignant and cancerous. Poor tooth brushing efficiency was associated with a higher incidence of pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions in the oral cavity.

Oral health condition and reasons for tooth extraction among an adult population (20-64 years old). / Condição de saúde bucal e motivos para extração dentária entre uma população de adultos (20-64 anos).

The study characterized the oral health condition and main self-reported reasons for tooth extraction in an adult population. The cross-sectional study examined 248 adults aged 20-64 years, representative of the population of Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. The oral examination conducted in households used the DMFT and CPI indexes, use and necessity of prosthodontics according to the WHO criteria and the presence of visible biofilm. Demographic and socioeconomic data were collected along with reasons for tooth extraction through a questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was stratified by age in groups: 20-44 and 45-64 years old. The average DMFT was 20.37 (EP = 0.50), P = 3.34 (EP = 0.33) for young adults and P = 13.41 (EP = 1.45) for the older adults. Gingival pockets (CPI ≥ 3) were found on 20.5% of young adults and 53.0% of the older ones. While 38.8% used upper prosthesis, 46.7% needed lower prosthesis. Pain was the most prevalent self-reported reason for tooth extraction (37.5%), being this choice primarily because of lack of another treatment option (52%) and done in the private sector (47.2%). We concluded that young adults (20-44 years old) showed less missing teeth, periodontal diseases, and need for prosthetic use. Pain and lack of options of other treatments were the main self-reported reasons for performing tooth extractions.

Condição de saúde bucal e motivos para extração dentária entre uma população de adultos (20-64 anos) / Oral health condition and reasons for tooth extraction among an adult population (20-64 years old)

Resumo O presente estudo caracterizou a condição de saúde bucal e os principais motivos autorrelatados da extração dentária em uma população de adultos. Estudo transversal que examinou 248 adultos de 20-64 anos, representativos da população de Piracicaba (SP). O exame bucal domiciliar utilizou os índices CPOD, CPI, uso e necessidade de prótese dentária segundo critérios da OMS e presença de biofilme visível. Foram coletados dados demográficos, socioeconômicos e motivos da extração dentária por meio de questionário. A análise descritiva foi estratificada pela idade em 20-44 e 45-64 anos. O CPOD médio foi 20,37, P = 3,34 nos adultos jovens e P = 13,41 nos mais velhos. Bolsa periodontal (CPI ≥ 3) foi encontrada em 20,5% dos adultos jovens e 53,0% dos mais velhos. Enquanto 38,8% usavam prótese superior, 46,7% necessitavam de prótese inferior. A dor foi o motivo autorrelatado mais prevalente para realização da extração dentária, sendo esta escolha principalmente pela falta de outra opção de tratamento e no serviço privado. Conclui-se que os adultos jovens (20-44 anos) apresentaram menos dentes perdidos e doença periodontal, uso e necessidade de prótese. Dor e falta de opção de outros tratamentos foram os principais motivos autorrelatados para realização das extrações dentárias.

Abstract The study characterized the oral health condition and main self-reported reasons for tooth extraction in an adult population. The cross-sectional study examined 248 adults aged 20-64 years, representative of the population of Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. The oral examination conducted in households used the DMFT and CPI indexes, use and necessity of prosthodontics according to the WHO criteria and the presence of visible biofilm. Demographic and socioeconomic data were collected along with reasons for tooth extraction through a questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was stratified by age in groups: 20-44 and 45-64 years old. The average DMFT was 20.37 (EP = 0.50), P = 3.34 (EP = 0.33) for young adults and P = 13.41 (EP = 1.45) for the older adults. Gingival pockets (CPI ≥ 3) were found on 20.5% of young adults and 53.0% of the older ones. While 38.8% used upper prosthesis, 46.7% needed lower prosthesis. Pain was the most prevalent self-reported reason for tooth extraction (37.5%), being this choice primarily because of lack of another treatment option (52%) and done in the private sector (47.2%). We concluded that young adults (20-44 years old) showed less missing teeth, periodontal diseases, and need for prosthetic use. Pain and lack of options of other treatments were the main self-reported reasons for performing tooth extractions.

Global burden of oral conditions in 1990-2010: a systematic analysis.

The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2010 Study produced comparable estimates of the burden of 291 diseases and injuries in 1990, 2005, and 2010. This article reports on the global burden of untreated caries, severe periodontitis, and severe tooth loss in 2010 and compares those figures with new estimates for 1990. We used disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) and years lived with disability (YLDs) metrics to quantify burden. Oral conditions affected 3.9 billion people, and untreated caries in permanent teeth was the most prevalent condition evaluated for the entire GBD 2010 Study (global prevalence of 35% for all ages combined). Oral conditions combined accounted for 15 million DALYs globally (1.9% of all YLDs; 0.6% of all DALYs), implying an average health loss of 224 years per 100,000 population. DALYs due to oral conditions increased 20.8% between 1990 and 2010, mainly due to population growth and aging. While DALYs due to severe periodontitis and untreated caries increased, those due to severe tooth loss decreased. DALYs differed by age groups and regions, but not by genders. The findings highlight the challenge in responding to the diversity of urgent oral health needs worldwide, particularly in developing communities.

[Periodontal health status assessed by community periodontal index and related factors in adult population of Beijing urban community].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the periodontal health conditions by using community periodontal index (CPI) and analyze the effects of related risk factors. METHODS: By stratified random sampling procedure, a total of 1 183 subjects aged 35-74 were recruited from 13 neighbour community and accepted structured interview and periodontal examination. RESULTS: The percentage of edentulous jaws was 2.3% (27/1 183). For the remaining 1 156 people, the percentage of subject with a highest CPI scores of 0,1,2,3,4 were 0.3%, 0.2%, 46.3%, 31.9%, 21.3%, respectively. At the sextant and tooth level, the numbers of healthy, bleeding, calculus, shallow pocket, deep pocket and missing pocket were 0.26, 0.25, 3.56, 1.06, 0.39, 0.48, and 3.32, 2.02, 15.43, 2.60, 0.70, 3.93, respectively. By multivariable logistic regression models, many risk indicators such as age, gender, smoking, the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) status, etc. were demonstrated to be related to the distribution of deeper and missing pockets. CONCLUSION: The adult periodontal conditions of urban community were serious and affected by some demographic and behavior risk factors. More than half (53.2%) of the examined subjects require complex periodontal treatments.

Periodontal health status in Swedish adolescents: an epidemiological, cross-sectional study.

The aim of this epidemiological survey was to analyze the periodontal conditions of 19-year old individuals in two rural county areas, i.e. Fyrbodal and Skaraborg, Västra Götaland, Sweden, with special reference to gender and socioeconomic grouping. A randomized sample of 506 individuals (Fyrbodal 250 and Skaraborg 256 individuals, respectively) was clinically examined with regard to oral hygiene, gingivitis, periodontal pockets and gingival recession. Bitewing radiographs were used for assessment of alveolar bone level (ABL) and dental calculus. A questionnaire-based interview regarding oral hygiene habits was included. A majority of the subjects (76%) claimed to brush their teeth at least twice a day, while interdental hygiene means were used daily by 4%. The subjects showed a mean plaque score of 47% and a gingivitis score of 56%. Forty-six % of the adolescents had a plaque score of > or = 50%, whereas the corresponding figure for gingivitis was 62%. The subjects had on average 5.5 teeth with facial gingival recession. The mean prevalence of sites with probing depth (PPD) of > or = 4 mm was 8, out of which 99% were located at proximal sites. A radiographic bone level of > 2 mm was observed at on average 0.4 teeth per subject. Logistic regression analyses revealed that gender (males) and county area (Fyrbodal) were significant factors for a high plaque and gingivitis score. There was no significant difference in periodontal conditions in relation to socio-economic grouping. In conclusion, the survey revealed higher prevalence of plaque and gingivitis among male than female adolescents, but no differences between socioeconomic groups.

Comparison between two methods for periodontal risk assessment.

AIM: Risk assessment is increasingly important in periodontology. The aim of this article was to propose a new objective method (UniFe) in order to simplify the risk assessment procedures. UniFe was compared with a computer-based risk assessment tool (PAT(R)). METHODS: Risk scores for both UniFe and PAT(R) were calculated for 107 patients, randomly selected among patients seeking care at a specialist periodontal clinic. For UniFe risk calculation, the ''parameter scores'' assigned to smoking status, diabetic status, number of sites with probing depth 5 mm, bleeding on probing score (BoP) and bone loss/age, were added and the sum was referred to a ''risk score'', ranging from 1 (low risk) to 5 (high risk). PAT(R) generated a risk score on a scale from 1 (lowest risk) to 5 (highest risk). RESULTS: The mean UniFe and PAT(R) risk scores were 4.5+/-0.9 and 4.6+/-0.7, respectively. Cohen k-statistics amounted to 0.7, suggesting a good agreement between methods. Difference in risk score between methods was significantly explained by the parameter scores of BoP and bone loss/age (adjusted R2=0.378). CONCLUSION: The comparison between UniFe and PAT(R) demonstrated a good level of agreement between methods in a randomly selected population referred to a periodontal clinic.

Association between periodontal disease and ischemic heart disease among Swedish women: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyze the relationship between chronic periodontitis and ischemic heart disease (IHD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-section of women aged 38 to 84 years were examined in 1992-93 (analysis based on n=1056). Medical and dental examinations were included in the analysis specifically with regard to IHD and periodontitis. Other well-known risk factors for IHD were used as covariates in multivariable statistical analysis. RESULTS: Among the dentate women in this study (n=847), 74 had IHD and 773 did not. There was no statistically significant difference between numbers of pathological gingival pockets between these groups (58.1% had one or more pathological pockets in the IHD group compared to 57.6% in the non-IHD group). Bivariate analysis of dentate individuals showed significant associations between IHD and number of missing teeth, age, body mass index, waist/hip ratio, life satisfaction, hypertension, and levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. However, in the final multivariable logistic regression model, with the exception of age, only number of teeth (<17 teeth) OR = 2.13 (CI 1.20; 3.77) was found to be significantly associated with IHD. Moreover, edentulous women had an OR of 1.94 (CI 1.05; 3.60) in relation to IHD (age-adjusted model). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, periodontitis did not seem to have a statistically significant relationship with IHD. The number of missing teeth showed a strong association with IHD, and this may act as a proxy variable tapping an array of different risk factors and behaviors.

Periodontal conditions in a Swedish city population of adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

The aim of this epidemiological survey was to analyze the periodontal conditions of 19-year old individuals in an urban area of Sweden, with special reference to gender and socioeconomic factors. A randomized sample of 272 individuals living in Göteborg, Sweden, was clinically examined with regard to oral hygiene, gingivitis, periodontal pockets, probing attachment loss (PAL) and gingival recession. Bitewing radiographs were used for assessments of alveolar bone level (ABL) and dental calculus. A questionnaire-based interview regarding oral hygiene habits was included. Data were analyzed with regard to differences between gender and socioeconomic grouping. The subjects showed a mean plaque score of 59% and a gingivitis score of 44%. 70% of the adolescents had a plaque score of > or = 50%, whereas corresponding figure for gingivitis was 37%. 27% of the subjects had at least one tooth with gingival recession. The mean prevalence of sites with probing depth of > or = 6 mm was 0.5, and the prevalence of PAL > or = 2 mm was 0.7. A radiographic bone level of > or = 2 mm was observed at on average 0.8 teeth per subject. Females had significantly less plaque and gingivitis than males and significantly higher number of teeth with gingival recession. There were no clinically significant differences in periodontal conditions between socioeconomic groups. In conclusion,the survey revealed higher prevalence of plaque and gingivitis among male than female adolescents but no differences between socioeconomic groups.

Labial-cervical-vertical groove in maxillary permanent incisors--prevalence, severity, and affected soft tissue.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence and severity of a labial-cervical-vertical groove (LCVG) in maxillary permanent incisors and its effect on the associated gingival tissue. METHODS: A total of 600 adolescents (293 boys and 307 girls, mean age 13.6+/-1.99 years) were randomly selected and examined for the presence of LCVG. The deformity was classified as mild, moderate, or severe according to predetermined criteria. Gingival coverage at the groove site was defined as normal, partial, and irregular. RESULTS: LCVG was found in 27 adolescents (4.5%). It was unilateral in 24 (89%) and bilateral in 3 (11%). The ratio of central to lateral incisors was 29:1. No sexual dimorphism or side prevalence were found. Mild LCVG was found in 22 incisors, moderate LCVG in 7 incisors, and severe LCVG in one incisor. Moderate LCVG was 5 to 6 times more susceptible to partial or irregular coverage of the gingival margin than mild LCVG. The gingival sulcus in teeth with LCVG demonstrated a significant (P = .001) increase in depth compared to non-LCVG teeth (1.55+/-0.90 mm vs 1.18+/-0.75 mm). CONCLUSIONS: An LCVG is a deformity confined predominantly to a single permanent maxillary central incisor. Its prevalence is not connected with gender. Most LCVGs are mild and often difficult to detect. However, the greater the severity, the more gingival irregularity is associated. This and the increase in sulcus depth in LCVG incisors are adverse predispositions for periodontal sequelae, calling for cautious oral hygiene maintenance.

Potential associations between chronic respiratory disease and periodontal disease: analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III.

BACKGROUND: Associations between poor oral health and chronic lung disease have recently been reported. The present study evaluated these potential associations by analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (NHANES III), which documents the general health and nutritional status of randomly selected United States subjects from 1988 to 1994. METHODS: This cross-sectional, retrospective study of the NHANES III database included a study population of 13,792 subjects > or = 20 years of age with at least 6 natural teeth. A history of bronchitis and/or emphysema was recorded from the medical questionnaire, and a dichotomized variable combined those with either chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema, together considered as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Subject lung function was estimated by calculating the ratio of forced expiratory volume (FEV) after 1 second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC). Oral health status was assessed from the DMFS/T index (summary of cumulative caries experience), gingival bleeding, gingival recession, gingival probing depth, and periodontal attachment level. Unweighted analyses were used for initial examination of the data, and a weighted analysis was performed in a final logistic regression model adjusting for age, gender, race and ethnicity, education, income, frequency of dental visits, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and alcohol use. RESULTS: The mean age of all subjects was 44.4 +/- 17.8 years (mean +/- SD): COPD = 51.2 +/- 17.9 years and subjects without COPD = 43.9 +/- 17.7 years. Subjects with a history of COPD had more periodontal attachment loss than subjects without COPD (1.48 +/- 1.35 mm versus 1.17 +/- 1.09 mm, P = 0.0001). Subjects with mean attachment loss (MAL) > or = 3.0 mm had a higher risk of COPD than those having MAL < 3.0 mm (odds ratio, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.05). A trend was noted in that lung function appeared to diminish with increasing periodontal attachment loss. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present analysis support recently published reports that suggest an association between periodontal disease and COPD.

Periodontal conditions in 35-44-yr-old adults in France, 1993.

A national study was carried out in France in 1993 to assess the periodontal status of the population aged 35-44 yr. The study took part in the Second International Collaborative Study of Oral Health Outcomes developed and coordinated by the World Health Organization. The representative sample was composed of 1000 subjects. The Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) index was used. Gingivitis prevalence was high (80.4%) while 26.6% of dentate subjects had shallow pockets (4-5 mm). Deep pockets (> 6 mm) were rare (1.6%) concerning on average 0.1 sextant per subject; 87.5% of the 994 dentate adults needed periodontal treatment. Oral health education and scaling should reduce periodontal pathology in this population group.

The periodontal status of Jordanian adolescents measured by CPITN.

The prevalence and severity of periodontal disease were assessed in 2039, 15-16 year old Jordanian adolescents using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN). The findings revealed that around 37 per cent of the subjects had a healthy periodontium (score 0), whilst 40 per cent had bleeding on probing (score 1). Calculus deposits (score 2) were found in 17.4 per cent of the subjects. Both shallow and deep pockets (scores 3 and 4) were present in only a small percentage of the sample (5.32 per cent and 0.29 per cent, respectively). When the severity of the periodontal condition was assessed, it was found that bleeding on probing was present in 2.4 sextants per person and calculus deposits in 1.04 sextants per person. The sextants which were affected by shallow and deep pockets were minimal (0.32 and 0.02 sextant per person respectively). The mean number of healthy sextants per person was found to be 2.22. These findings indicate that gingival rather than periodontal disease is more common in Jordanian adolescents.

Smoking and periodontal disease severity.

This study was performed to assess the influence of smoking on periodontal disease severity. Data concerning periodontal status and smoking habits were collected from 889 periodontal patients: 340 male and 549 female, 21 to 76 years of age, 47.4% being non smokers and 52.6% smokers. Periodontal parameters, recorded by the same examiner (PMC), were: gingival recession (GR), Pocket depth (PD), Probing attachment level (PAL), and mobility (M). The influence of age, sex and tobacco consumption on these periodontal parameters was statistically evaluated using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) with covariates. A non-linear effect model was also fitted by taking the natural logarithms of the response variables (GR, PD, PAL) closer to biomedical phenomena. Mobility was analyzed by a chi2-test. The effect of smoking on periodontitis showed no association with age or with sex. Smoking, age and sex were shown to be statistically significant for periodontitis, by performing both univariate (t-test for equal means) and multivariate tests. p-values for smoking and periodontitis were: GR (p=0.000), PD (p=0.000), PAL (p=0.000) and M (P=0.015). Smoking one cigarette per day, up to 10, and up to 20, increased PAL by 0.5%, 5% and 10%, respectively. The impact of tobacco is comparable to the impact resulting from the factor of age in this sample, increasing PAL by 0.7% for each year of life. Comparison between smokers of less than 10 cigarettes per day (PAL mean 3.72 mm +/-0.86) and non-smokers (PAL mean 3.84 +/- 0.89) showed no differences in PAL (p=0.216), while comparison for smokers from 11 to 20 cigarettes (PAL mean 4.36 +/- 1.23) and for more than 20 cigarettes (PAL mean 4.50 +/- 1.04) demonstrated significant differences (p=0.000). These findings suggest that: (1) tobacco increases periodontal disease severity; (2) this effect is clinically evident above consumption of a certain quantity of tobacco.

Changes in periodontal status of children and young adolescents: a one year longitudinal study.

The purpose of the present study was to describe longitudinal changes in accumulation of dental plaque and gingival inflammation, and their effect on changes in sulcus depth of children and young adolescents. Forty one boys and 37 girls aged 1-12 years living in a rural community in Israel were included in the study. At baseline and 12 months later, Loe's Plaque Index (PlI) and Gingival Index (GI), and sulcus depth were examined. Boys' mean age was significantly lower than girls' mean age (6.04 + 2.76 years, and 7.68 + 2.84 years respectively). PlI, GI and sulcus depth were higher in the 12-month examination compared to baseline. PlI was slightly higher in boys, while GI was slightly higher in girls. These differences however, were not statistically significant. At baseline, sulcus depth was significantly greater in girls than in boys, while at 12 months the difference was not significant. The children were grouped by age as follows: 1-5 years, 6-9 years and 10-12 years. PlI and GI mean scores were significantly higher among the 6-9-year-old individuals. Mean sulcus depth for the 10-12-year-old children was greater than that of the 6-9-year-olds at baseline and after 12 months. The effect of age, PlI and GI on the outcome variable (sulcus depth) was examined using a correlation matrix. At baseline, age showed the highest correlation (r = 0.659) followed by GI (r = 0.364) and PlI (r = 0.123). The same pattern was also observed at the 12 months examination.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Changes in oral status and dental treatment in long term hospital inmates in Stockholm from 1988 to 1990.

The proportion of elderly in the Swedish population is increasing. In future elderly people will have retained more teeth and will require higher standards of dental care as long as they are healthy. There is an increasing trend towards admission of only severely compromised patients to long term institutions. This study was undertaken to evaluate whether changing concepts in community geriatric care and criteria for admission to long term hospitals were reflected in the oral status and the treatment level of geriatric hospital patients. The study confirms that the inmates were older and more medically compromised and that the change was discernible during such a short period of time as two years. Edentulousness had decreased from 30 percent to 24 percent. The mean number of remaining teeth was 15.2 in 1988 and 13.0 in 1990. The content of treatment had changed between 1988 and 1990. The dentist had adjusted the treatment level to the patient's condition and to the unexpected shortage of dental personnel. It can be concluded that the maintenance of life-long good oral health demands life-long regular dental care, with an increasing content of professional preventive care in long term care at home or in hospital.