Periodontal Status of Adolescents in Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria

Objective: To assess the periodontal status, treatment needs and dental visit practice of adolescents in a local government area in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: The subjects (600) were randomly selected from 6 schools, 3 secondary and 3 primary schools. About one hundred subjects in each age category (11 to 16 years) were selected. A questionnaire was designed seeking biographic data such as age, sex, occupation of parent, and dental visit attendance and a section for recording periodontal clinical examination using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) was included. Pocketing was not determined within the age group stated. Results: Only 3% were found to be healthy periodontally. 83% of the subjects presented predominately with the worst condition recorded, code 2 (i.e. calculus), which is a reversible condition. A mean of 0.6 healthy sextants, 2.3 bleeding sextants and 3.1 calculus-accumulated sextants were found among the subjects. A statistical difference in periodontal status was noted with age, the younger adolescents (11-13 years) presenting predominately with gingivitis when compared to the older adolescents (14-16 years). Nearly all subjects required periodontal treatment. 83% needed professional prophylaxis (TN2). Conclusion: There is a need for a school oral health education programme within the LGA with a focus on periodontal disease prevention and provision of oral prophylaxis by dental surgeons, therapists and volunteer dental students.