Periodontitis and associated factors using Florida Probe System™

Periodontal disease is a progressive inflammatory disease, which spreads from the gums to the ligaments and bones causing loss of bone and attachment around the teeth. Objective: to determine the prevalence and associated factors to periodontitis among policeman using a electronic tool. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 161 policeman. A sample very homogeneous in relation to education level, socioeconomics status and lifestyles was selected. A subject with periodontitis was defined as: a subject with at least one site with attachment loss > 4mm. All sites available in mouth were examined. Independent variables included were: age, schooling, tooth number, civil status, use of dental services, toothbrushing frequency, smoking, antibiotic use, dental plaque, calculus, suppuration and ginvivitis. All clinical examination were assessed using the Florida Probe System™ in a fixed dental chair by one examiner. Bivariate and multivariate analysis were realized in STATA 7™ using binary logistic regression. Results: The mean age was 38.36±10.99 (limits 20-78). 23,622 sites were availably for analysis. The mean of tooth and sites examined by persons was 24.45±4.63 and 146.72±27.80, respectively. The periodontitis prevalence was 62.7%. The associated factors to periodontitis were: higher age (>35 years; OR= 2.05; CI95%= 1.04-4.03), smoking (yes; OR= 1.98 CI95%= 0.98-4.03), and gingivitis (to have; OR= 2.95; 1.22-7.12). Conclusions: the periodontal status observed was unfavorable. Within the limitations of this study, higher age, smoking and gingivitis were associated factors for periodontitis. The authors suggest that use of objective electronic tools should be evaluated in epidemiological studies.