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[Periodontal disease in Belgian adults]
M-L Lambert1, J-B Meurisse, F Bertrand
1Unité d'Epidémiologie (UCL 30.34), Ecole de Santé Publique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Clos Chapelle-aux-Champs, 30, B-1200 Bruxelles, Belgique.
Revue D'Epidemiologie Et De Sante Publique
|September 18, 2003
Summary
Periodontal disease is widespread in Belgium, with most adults showing signs of gum disease or deep pockets. Urgent dental care needs, including plaque control and scaling, are high across the population.
Area of Science:
- Oral epidemiology
- Periodontology
- Public health
Background:
- No prior epidemiological studies on periodontal health in Belgium.
- This study addresses the lack of data on the Belgian population's periodontal status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of periodontal diseases in Belgium.
- To assess the periodontal treatment needs of the Belgian population.
Main Methods:
- A prevalence survey conducted on a representative sample of 402 employees (aged 35-65) from the Catholic University of Louvain.
- Periodontal status assessed using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN).
- Evaluation of treatment requirements alongside disease prevalence.
Main Results:
- Only one participant (0.25%) was classified as periodontally healthy.
- 41.4% of subjects presented with deep periodontal pockets, indicating a risk of tooth loss.
- 28.5% required scaling and polishing to address tartar buildup and other contributing factors.
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of periodontal diseases, from gingivitis to severe bone loss, was observed in a socio-economically favored Belgian population group.
- Significant unmet needs for periodontal care were identified, including oral hygiene instruction and specialized treatments.
- Findings highlight the critical need for public health initiatives and accessible periodontal care in Belgium.