Methods: The study was conducted among 75 (50 females) 20-60 year olds in villages of the Upang and Omag districts. Betel chewing and smoking habits and the presence of teeth, plaque score, calculus and bleeding on probing were recorded. In 30 individuals caries (DMFS) and presence of periodontal pockets >5mm was recorded and saliva samples were collected for estimation of lactobacilli and mutansstreptococci by culture. Three subgingival samples were taken from each of these 30 individuals with paper points for analysis with the checkerboard method against 12 periodontopathogens. Another 45 individuals were specifically recorded for full-mouth periodontal attachment level and 4 subgingival samples were taken for recording the prevalence of 12 periodontopathogens.
Results: The number of missing teeth was <1 tooth in average. The presence of plaque, calculus and bleeding on probing were nearly 100%. The DMFS was 2.3 and 1.6 among betel and non-betel chewers respectively. Only 3 individuals in the group of 30 had more than 2 pockets > 5mm. In the group of 45 individuals, only 4 had severe attachment loss and mobile teeth. The presence of cariogenic bacteria was low among both betel and non-betel chewers, while the 12 periodontopathogens were detectable in almost all individuals.
Conclusions: The prevalence of caries and severe periodontitis among adult Karen is low. The level of caries associated bacteria is low while the prevalence of periodontopathogens is high. .