Trend in Chronic Periodontitis in the German Oral Health Studies

Objectives: Data on periodontal trends in Germany are scarce and limited to a regional survey. Thus, we aimed to evaluate trends in chronic periodontitis in two pre-defined age groups in two German population-based studies over nine years.
Methods: The Fourth (DMS IV; response 52.1% and 55.7% in both age groups) and Fifth German Oral Health Study (DMS V; response 48.5% and 49.1% in both age groups) were conducted in 2005 and 2014, respectively, including adults aged 35-44 years (N=925 and N=966) and seniors aged 65-74 years (N=1040 and N=1042). Periodontal status was assessed by clinical attachment loss (CAL) and probing depth (PD). Twelve index teeth were probed at three sites (PCP 11.5B). Subjects were classified according to the CDC/AAP case definition.
Results: In dentate adults, the average number of teeth increased from 25.5 to 26.1 teeth. Mean PD remained at 2.4 mm. However, for extent estimates of PD, a decrease was consistently observed. While mean CAL remained at 2.6 mm, extent estimates of CAL decreased consistently irrespective of the definition used. Prevalence of severe periodontitis (CDC/AAP) decreased from 17.4 to 8.2%.
In dentate seniors, the average number of teeth increased from 17.8 to 19.3 teeth. Mean PD remained at 2.8mm. Extent estimates of PD decreased consistently. Mean CAL decreased by 0.4 mm, as did extent estimates of CAL. The percentage of seniors with severe periodontitis (CDC/AAP) decreased from 44.1 to 19.8%.
Conclusions: In both age groups, prevalence, extent and severity of chronic periodontitis decreased consistently, irrespective of the definition used. Results support the general notice that the prevalence of chronic periodontitis might have been declining over the last two decades.