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Risk indicators for periodontal diseases in Guatemalan adolescents
C E Pomes1, W A Bretz, A de Leon
1University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Brazilian Dental Journal
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Adolescent oral health in Guatemala revealed high prevalence of plaque and gingival bleeding. Specific bacteria, Tannerella forsythia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, were linked to increased gum inflammation and pocket depth.
Area of Science:
- Oral Microbiology
- Periodontology
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Adolescent oral health is crucial for long-term well-being.
- Gingival inflammation and periodontal disease are significant concerns in pediatric populations.
- Understanding the microbial etiology of these conditions in diverse geographic settings is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of specific oral microorganisms and their association with periodontal health indicators in Guatemalan adolescents.
- To assess the relationship between bacterial presence and clinical signs of gingival inflammation and pocket depth.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 62 adolescents (11-15 years) from 17 locations in Guatemala.
- Clinical assessment of pocket depth, Plaque Index, and bleeding upon probing at 372 sites.
- Subgingival plaque analysis using BANA test for specific bacteria (T. denticola, P. gingivalis, B. forsythus), ELISA for A. actinomycetemcomitans, yeast detection, and Entamoeba gingivalis identification.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of plaque (79%), bleeding on probing (66%), and increased pocket depth (42%) were observed.
- BANA test positive for T. denticola, P. gingivalis, B. forsythus was found in 77% of children (59% of sites).
- A. actinomycetemcomitans was detected in 47% of children (31% of sites).
- Yeasts and Entamoeba gingivalis were detected in 43% and 21% of children, respectively.
- Positive BANA test or A. actinomycetemcomitans significantly increased the risk of severe gingival inflammation and/or increased probing depth (1.5x and 5.2x, respectively).
- No significant association was found between yeasts or Entamoeba gingivalis and periodontal parameters.
Conclusions:
- Specific periodontal pathogens, including those detected by the BANA test and A. actinomycetemcomitans, are prevalent in Guatemalan adolescents and strongly associated with poor periodontal health.
- These findings highlight the need for targeted oral hygiene interventions and further research into the microbial landscape of adolescent periodontitis in this region.