Sociodemographic Determinants and Temporal Trends in Periodontal Conditions in Brazil: A Population-Based...

This study examined associations between sociodemographic characteristics and periodontal conditions in the Brazilian population across adolescents, adults, and older adults, and assessed temporal changes over a 13-year period.

This descriptive cross-sectional study used data from the SB Brasil 2010 and 2023 national oral health surveys. Adolescents (15-19 years), adults (35-44 years), and older adults (65-74 years) with ≥20 natural teeth were included. Gingival signs, periodontal involvement, and its severe form were defined using standardized epidemiological thresholds. Weighted regression models accounting for the complex multistage sampling design and survey weights of the SB Brasil surveys were used to estimate associations and temporal differences.

Higher levels of educational attainment were inversely associated with severe periodontal involvement among older adults (odds ratio [OR] = 0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.05-0.39). Women showed 35% lower odds of periodontal involvement and 58% lower odds of its severe form. Adolescents had approximately threefold higher odds of gingival signs, but 88% lower odds of periodontal involvement and 95% lower odds of severe periodontal conditions compared with older adults. Among adolescents, Black individuals had more than fourfold higher odds of periodontal involvement than their White counterparts. Between 2010 and 2023, this condition decreased in the overall population, particularly among adults, women, mixed-race individuals, and those with intermediate levels of education, whereas the prevalence of gingival signs increased among adults.

Patterns of periodontal conditions varied according to age and disease severity. While the prevalence of more advanced periodontal conditions was lower in 2023 than in 2010, early inflammatory conditions remained common. These findings highlight the importance of preventive strategies that address behavioral factors and broader social determinants of oral health.