Evaluating periodontal status of US employed adults

Article Abstract:

Periodontal disease, which affects the gums and other structures surrounding the teeth, was noted to have a substantial incidence in surveys conducted during the late 1970s and early 1980s, but the picture may have improved. To determine this, the National Institute of Dental Research (NIDR) conducted the National Survey of Oral Health of US Employed Adults and Seniors in 1985 to 1986. Evaluation was performed of gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), loss of periodontal attachment (LA, loss of attachment of the gum to the cementoenamel junction, CEJ, the junction between the materials that make up the top and bottom of the tooth), periodontal pockets (development of a space between the tooth and the gum), and gingival (gum) recession (the distance between the CEJ and the gum margin). The carefully selected sample consisted of 15,132 adults representative of 100 million employed people. Examinations were performed by eight trained teams with portable equipment. Results showed that gingivitis was present in approximately 44 percent of the population, decreasing slightly with age. Loss of periodontal attachment was found in more than 99 percent of the subjects, with little effect due to age except for advanced LA, which was greater (but still quite rare) in older people. A little more than 13 percent had periodontal pockets between 4 and 6 millimeters deep, and the number of these increased with age. Deep pockets, however, were rare. Gingival recession was present in approximately half the workers surveyed and increased markedly in older people. Patterns for teeth on the cheek and inner surfaces are compared. Overall, the data indicate that the periodontal health of employed people in the US is better than anticipated. While results from earlier studies indicated a somewhat higher level of periodontal disease, direct comparison can be misleading because of differing methodologies between studies. The results provide a baseline against which future periodontal disease prevalence and severity can be measured. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

United States, Surveys, United States. National Institute of Dental Research

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Variations in the prevalence and extent of periodontitis

Article Abstract:

Statistics from the National Institute of Dental Research's 1985-1986 survey called the Oral Health of United States Adults, is offered with emphasis on the socioeconomic and other characteristics of population groups with respect to periodontal health (health of the gums and other structures that support the teeth). Data from 15,132 employed adults, representing 100 million people between the ages of 18 and 64, were analyzed after standardized dental examinations were completed. Results showed that loss of attachment (between the tissue lining the gum and the tooth), or LA, of 3 millimeters or more occurred in an average of eight sites in the mouth. Periodontal pockets (deep grooves between the tooth root and the gum) 4 millimeters or deeper were present in fewer than 14 percent of the subjects; deep pockets were rare. Recession (in which the gum draws away from the tooth root) was present in 16 percent of the subjects at five sites. This condition was more pronounced in older subjects. Blacks had a higher prevalence of LA and periodontal pockets than whites. In general, people with higher education levels and more income had better periodontal health. Those who had visited a dentist during the preceding year had better health than those who visited dentists infrequently. The results indicate that socioeconomic indexes could be markers for periodontal disease, and may be of potential use in targeting groups at high risk for this condition. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Economic aspects, Demographic aspects, Dental care, Oral hygiene

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Clinical features of early-onset periodontitis

Article Abstract:

Dentists should carefully examine the teeth of any teenagers who have cavities, tartar buildup and inflamed or bleeding gums. These teenagers may have an early form of periodontitis, which could lead to tooth loss if not treated. Dentists in 174 school districts nationwide used X-rays and a periodontal probe to determine the incidence of early-onset periodontitis in 14,013 13- to 17-year-old children. The incidence was about 1.3% in whites, 5% in Hispanics and 10% in African-American teens. Many also had cavities, tartar, and bleeding gums.

Health aspects, Statistics, Teenagers, Youth, Ethnic groups

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