Periodontal indicators and need of periodontal treatment in the United States by sociodemographic (SES) indicators have not been described in detail. This study presents the SES distribution of periodontal indicators and treatment needs among US adolescents. Periodontal indicators included are gingival bleeding, calculus, pocket depth and loss of attachment. Treatment needs is assessed with a modified Community Periodontal Index Treatment Needs (CPITN) score; CPITN scores are based on data collected from every permanent tooth, excluding 2nd and 3rd molars, in two randomly selected quadrants. Data from the third National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey, 1988-94, for 2,508 adolescents 13 to 19 years of age were analyzed. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression models indicate that 62% of adolescents have gingival bleeding, 80% have calculus, and 13% have pockets 4-5 mm deep. Furthermore, just over 10% of all adolescents need no treatment. Adolescents from poor families and African-American adolescents are more likely to require more complex periodontal treatment than adolescents from more affluent families. This study demonstrates the need for programs to prevent and treat periodontal disease among adolescents living in families below the poverty level and among African-American adolescents.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this presentation the participant will be able to describe the sociodemographic distribution of periodontal indicators and need of periodontal treatment among adolescents in the United States
Keywords: Oral Health, Epidemiology
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.