The periodontal status of 13-year-old children in western Canada using the CPITN index

A large study of the dental health of children in the Canadian province of Alberta was undertaken in 1985. A ten per cent sample of 13-year old children (3117) was selected. This study reports on the gingival status of the children using the community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN). The findings show that the children have few periodontal problems and that the main treatment needs are oral prophylaxis and improvement in personal oral hygiene. The World Health Organisation guideline for the year 2000 in respect of the long-term goals for periodontal health is met in this Canadian population.