Prevalence of juvenile periodontitis in Finland

The prevalence of juvenile periodontitis was studied in Finland, in an ethnic group representing a uniform Caucasoid population. The study population consisted of the 16-year-old subjects in the county of Uusimaa, population approximately 1,000,000. The screening study was based on the well-organized national dental care service which provides free dental care for all, up to the age of 17. Bitewing radiographs taken of all subjects at the age of 16 were used as the basic material for screening for juvenile periodontitis. Altogether 8,096 pairs of bitewing radiographs were available from the 16-year-old subjects born in 1960-61, representing 56% of the total age group. The radiographs were examined by the author and 28 cases were singled out for thorough clinical and radiographic examination. The following criteria were set for juvenile periodontitis: -- The patient must be in good general health -- Radiographically detectable bone loss more than 2 mm must be demonstrated around more than one tooth -- Local irritants must not be commensurate with the bone loss. Eight cases among the 8,096 subjects fulfilled these criteria giving a prevalence of 0.1%. With 95% confidence this gives an estimate between 0.06 and 0.26%.