A pilot study of periodontal disease awareness amongst Nigerians

Two hundred and seventy-five Nigerian subjects were seen to assess their periodontal disease awareness and to correlate it with their periodontal status, using a screening index--Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (C.P.I.T.N.). More than half of the subjects had visited the dental clinics in the past. The major reason for their visits was for relief of toothache and/or extraction. Although a high percentage claimed not to have gum disease, various stages of periodontal disease were observed in this group of subjects. The author advocates: (1) The introduction and use of periodontal index e.g. C.P.I.T.N. for easier examination of patients. (2) Refresher courses for dental personnel in periodontics, and (3) Use of the mass media such as electronic media to promote periodontal health awareness.