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Clinical parameters associated with periodontitis in untreated persons
B S Lembariti1, M A van't Hof, T Pilot
1Department of Restorative Dentistry, Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
East African Medical Journal
|July 1, 1997
Summary
In Tanzanian adults without regular dental care, a high tendency for bleeding on probing strongly indicated periodontitis. This finding suggests bleeding on probing may signal future periodontal destruction in underserved populations.
Area of Science:
- Oral health research
- Periodontology
- Public health dentistry
Background:
- Periodontitis is a prevalent oral disease often linked to poor oral hygiene.
- Access to regular prophylactic dental care significantly influences periodontal health.
- Understanding clinical markers for periodontitis in underserved populations is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between clinical parameters and periodontitis.
- To identify potential indicators of periodontitis in Tanzanian adults lacking regular dental care.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of 164 adult Tanzanian subjects (30-44 years).
- Periodontitis defined by probing depth ≥ 6 mm in at least three teeth.
- Assessment of bleeding on probing and dental plaque scores.
Main Results:
- 16% of subjects were diagnosed with periodontitis.
- Subjects with periodontitis showed a significantly higher bleeding tendency.
- Bleeding on probing demonstrated strong sensitivity and specificity for periodontitis.
- Dental plaque scores were similar between subjects with and without periodontitis.
Conclusions:
- Bleeding on probing is a strong indicator of periodontitis in Tanzanian adults with limited access to dental care.
- This suggests bleeding on probing may serve as a valuable screening marker in similar populations.
- Further longitudinal studies are recommended to confirm bleeding on probing as a predictor of future periodontal destruction.