Periodontal diseases in Asians

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Dental Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Asia's large population and the prevalent view of increased Asian susceptibility to periodontitis.
• Early epidemiological studies may have overestimated susceptibility due to oral hygiene index limitations.
• Previous comparative studies suggested worse periodontal conditions in Asian populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review the evidence supporting the notion of increased periodontitis susceptibility in Asians.
• To examine the origins and sustainability of this widely held view.
• To explore factors beyond oral hygiene that may influence periodontal disease in Asian populations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of epidemiological studies, comparative analyses, and reviews on periodontal disease in Asian populations.
• Analysis of historical data and assessment methodologies for periodontitis.
• Consideration of dental morphology and its potential role in periodontal conditions.

Main Results:

• The perceived higher prevalence of periodontitis in Asians may be linked to early studies emphasizing gingivitis and calculus from poor oral hygiene.
• Comparative studies often showed worse periodontal health in Asian immigrants versus native Caucasians.
• While poor oral hygiene is common, studies on disease natural history and pathogens do not fully explain increased susceptibility; dental morphology presents a complicating factor.

Conclusions:

• The entrenched view of higher Asian susceptibility to periodontitis requires re-evaluation.
• Poor oral hygiene and calculus are significant factors, but dental morphology (e.g., Mongoloid dentition) may also predispose to or complicate periodontal destruction.
• Effective prevention and management strategies must address oral hygiene improvements within the diverse Asian continent, considering dental anatomical variations.