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Prevalence assessment of periodontal disease in 3-6 year old children through PSR--a pilot study
G E Rapp1, R V Garcia, A C Motta
1School of Dentistry, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador (BA), Brazil. giselarapp@e-net.com.br
Insights
The Simplified Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR) Index is acceptable for screening periodontal disease in young children. This fast screening tool identified a high prevalence but low severity of periodontal issues in children aged 3-6 years.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Periodontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Periodontal diseases in children require early diagnosis and treatment.
- Children with severe attachment loss may indicate systemic health issues.
- Previous studies in Brazil highlighted a significant need for periodontal treatment in adolescents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the acceptability of the Simplified Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR) Index in children aged 3-6 years.
- To evaluate the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease parameters in this young population.
- To determine if the PSR Index is a suitable tool for rapid screening in preschool children.
Main Methods:
- A total of 200 children aged 3-6 years were screened using the Simplified PSR Index.
- Examinations were conducted by four trained undergraduate dental students in private schools in Bahia, Brazil.
- Data were analyzed to determine the prevalence of different PSR codes and compare sextants.
Main Results:
- The Simplified PSR Index was well-accepted by young children, proving to be a fast and effective screening tool.
- A high prevalence of PSR code 2 (61.5%) was observed, indicating gingival inflammation or bleeding.
- Low severity of periodontal disease parameters was found, with no significant gender-based differences in PSR codes.
Conclusions:
- The Simplified PSR Index is an acceptable and efficient method for screening periodontal conditions in very young children.
- Early detection of periodontal disease parameters, even with low severity, is crucial for preventive care in pediatric populations.
- Further research can validate these findings and inform public health strategies for child oral health.
Abstract:
Increasing amounts of information emphasise the relevance of prevention, early diagnosis and early treatment of periodontal diseases in children. Children and adolescents affected by periodontal disease, mainly those who present a fast and severe attachment loss, are considered to be at risk of developing early or advanced periodontitis. Alternatively they may be presenting a reflex of systemic conditions affecting the periodontium. This study was aimed at verifying the acceptability of the use of the Simplified PSR (Periodontal Screening and Recording) Index in a very young population since a previous study in Bahia, Brazil, indicated a very high need for periodontal treatment in adolescents and young adults. A total of 200 children aged 3-6 years from private schools in Bahia, Brazil, were examined by four trained undergraduate students. The screening system was well accepted by the subjects and the fact that it is a fast tool was considered important for the successful examination of all sextants without behavioural disturbance. A high prevalence and a low severity of parameters related to periodontal disease were found in this population. A statistically higher prevalence of PSR code 2 (61.5%) [54.50-68.49] CI 95% when compared to PSR codes 0 (23.5%) 117.93-30.10] CI 95%, 1 (14.5%) 110.07-20.32] CI 95% and 3 (0.5%) 10.02-3.18] CI 95% were shown. There was no statistically significant difference between female and male children for any PSR code. The finding of more parameters related to periodontal health in S5 when compared to sextants S6 and S4 showed statistical significance (CI 95%).