Severity of Early Onset Periodontitis and Risk Indicators

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk indicators for the severity of Early Onset Periodontits (EOP). Methods: Through a cross-sectional design a random sample of 1104 students of “Colegio de Bachilleres” in the State of Campeche, Mexico, was evaluated. 50.3% were woman and 49.7% man; the average age was 16.9 + 1.4 with a range between 14 and 24 years old. The evaluations were carried out for two standardized examiners (Weighted Kappa ± 1 mm = 0.62) and the evaluation of the periodontal status was carried out with a Michigan “0” probe.The severity of EOP was defined the average of losing attachment bigger than 1 mm. All teeth, in six sites for each tooth, were measured and only the site with greater loss of attachment was recorded. In the same site, clinical indicators like retention factors, dental plaque, bleeding on probing, suppuration and gingival pockets were evaluated. Other independent variables were considered: age, gender, socioeconomic status, stress, anxiety, schooling, antibiotic's use, specialized care, smoking and alcoholism. Results: The prevalence of EOP was 16.7% and severity = 1.16 ± 0.37 and skewness = 3.47. We find positive correlation between severity and retention factors r=0.202 p=0.037, bleeding r=0.161 P=0.001 and dental plaque r=0.115 P=0.02. Conclusion: This is a study that pointed out the correlation between important clinical variables that might be associated with the severity of EOP.