Prevalence of Periodontitis in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Epidemiological Studies Up to 2025

To provide updated and comprehensive estimates of the changes in prevalence of periodontitis in Africa, based on epidemiological data up to 2025.

A systematic literature search was conducted through MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Meta-analyses were performed to estimate the prevalence of periodontitis across population subgroups and diagnostic criteria.

Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Among children (< 10 years), prevalence was 1.9% (95% CI: 0.9%-3.9%; I² = 77.7%) and among adolescents (10-19 years), it was 11.2% (95% CI: 4.7%-24.3%; I² = 98.1%). In young adults (20-25 years), prevalence was 12.8% (95% CI: 2.8%-42.8%; I² = 98.9%), in adults (25-49 years), 20.0% (95% CI: 11.9%-31.7%; I² = 99.1%) and in older adults (≥ 50 years) 23.1% (95% CI: 12.2%-39.3%). Substantial variation was observed across diagnostic definitions and thresholds. Geographic region and urban versus rural origin emerged as significant modifiers of prevalence.

Epidemiological studies on periodontitis in Africa often overrepresent younger populations and rely on non-confident diagnostic criteria, likely underestimating true prevalence. Nevertheless, updated estimates suggest a concerning burden among younger age groups. More comprehensive research is needed to enhance the accuracy of prevalence estimates of periodontitis in Africa.