IADR Abstract Archives
Periodontal status among adults in South Africa – a cross-sectional epidemiological study
Objectives: Periodontal diseases are among the six most prevalent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide; it constitutes not only a burden for oral health, but also has the potential to affect general health. There is a shortage of epidemiological data on the prevalence of periodontitis in South Africa. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to present the periodontal status of a South-African population with mixed ancestry in in the Bellville South region located in Cape Town, South Africa.
Methods: This study is part of a larger epidemiological project in South Africa. After signing an informed consent, each participant was clinically examined. Bleeding on probing (BOP) and pocket depth were recorded for each tooth and attachment loss was recorded as the highest score per sextant, according to the guidelines from the WHO. Periodontal variables were presented as mean and standard deviation in relation to the different age groups and gender.
Results: A total of 993 individuals were included in this study, of which 70% were females and 30% males. More than one third of all subjects had bleeding on probing and the mean percentage of teeth with bleeding was 16.2%. Regarding pocket depth, 43% of the subjects had no pockets, more than 50% presented shallow pockets (4-5 mm) and 5.8% had deep pockets. Attachment loss ≥ 4mm was present in 40.1% of the subjects. Gender differences were present for bleeding on probing, pocket depth and attachment loss, with males presenting higher prevalence of deep pockets (p<0.01) and bleeding (p<0.01) and more severe loss of attachment (p<0.01) than females.
Conclusions: Periodontal disease was highly prevalent, affecting 67% of the studied population; periodontal conditions were worse in males. Public health programs for prevention and treatment for periodontal disease are required in order to improve oral health in this population.
Methods: This study is part of a larger epidemiological project in South Africa. After signing an informed consent, each participant was clinically examined. Bleeding on probing (BOP) and pocket depth were recorded for each tooth and attachment loss was recorded as the highest score per sextant, according to the guidelines from the WHO. Periodontal variables were presented as mean and standard deviation in relation to the different age groups and gender.
Results: A total of 993 individuals were included in this study, of which 70% were females and 30% males. More than one third of all subjects had bleeding on probing and the mean percentage of teeth with bleeding was 16.2%. Regarding pocket depth, 43% of the subjects had no pockets, more than 50% presented shallow pockets (4-5 mm) and 5.8% had deep pockets. Attachment loss ≥ 4mm was present in 40.1% of the subjects. Gender differences were present for bleeding on probing, pocket depth and attachment loss, with males presenting higher prevalence of deep pockets (p<0.01) and bleeding (p<0.01) and more severe loss of attachment (p<0.01) than females.
Conclusions: Periodontal disease was highly prevalent, affecting 67% of the studied population; periodontal conditions were worse in males. Public health programs for prevention and treatment for periodontal disease are required in order to improve oral health in this population.