Periodontal diseases in Greek adults between 1985 and 2005--risk indicators

This study provides data on the periodontal status of Greek adults aged 35-44-years-old in relation to socio-demographic and behavioural parameters and compares these data with those of 1985.

A stratified cluster sample was selected according to WHO guidelines for national pathfinder surveys. Periodontal and oral hygiene status were assessed using the CPI index and the OHI-S index respectively. Socio-demographic and behavioural data were collected through face-to-face interviews.

In 2005, 9.5% of the participants had healthy periodontium, 16.2% bleeding on probing, 46.8% calculus, 24.2% shallow pockets and 3.3% deep pockets. Half of the individuals (52.1%) had good oral hygiene status, 39.8% fair and 8.1% poor. Most of them (79%) brushed their teeth at least once a day, but only 25.4% used dental floss. Higher CPI scores were associated with living in rural areas, having a lower educational attainment and brushing and flossing teeth less frequently. Better oral hygiene status was associated with having a higher educational attainment and income, as well as brushing and flossing teeth more frequently. Comparisons with the 1985 findings indicate that severe periodontal diseases may be declining in Greece, whereas gingivitis may be increasing.

The prevalence of severe periodontal diseases in Greek adults is not high and their periodontal health has improved since 1985. As long as their oral hygiene status and preventive dental behaviour cannot be considered as satisfactory, there is room for further improvement.