Periodontal health in South Pacific populations: a review

Periodontal (or gum) disease is historically endemic in all indigenous communities in the South Pacific Region. While the disease becomes evident in mature adults the pathology becomes overt by adolescence or earlier. The initial gum inflammation progresses increasingly with age and may lead to pathological destruction of the tooth supporting tissues, tooth loosening and potential tooth loss. For most adults the disease presents as an adult-onset generalized chronic marginal-gingivitis-periodontitis-calculus complex. Microbiological components of dental plaque on tooth surfaces and dental calculus initiate the pathology. While the general clinical features are similar between adults and between communities, epidemiological studies have identified variations in disease progression. Also severity of the disease may be influenced by systemic health factors such as diabetes, known to be common in the Region. A common outcome, loss of teeth, usually becomes evident from the fourth decade onwards. Once established the plaque- gingivitis- calculus- periodontitis complex becomes increasingly difficult to reverse. Early adoption and maintenance of routine oral care actions through family, social, community and educational actions will improve long-term oral health, tooth loss, potentially adverse systemic health and in general better lifestyles.