LOCAL RISK FACTORS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PERIODONTAL DISEASES IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of gingivitis associated with dental biofilm and to investigate the influence of local risk factors on the development of inflammatory process in the gums in children and adolescents. Materials and Methods: 117 children and adolescents aged 12 to 17 years at the Dental Medical Centre of the Bogomolets National Medical University were examined. All participants were examined for periodontal status, state of oral hygiene, and local risk factors for periodontal diseases. Results: A high prevalence of gingivitis associated with dental plaque (89.7%) was found in children and adolescents aged 12-17 years. The overwhelming majority of them (71.4%) had gingivitis caused by dental biofilm and local risk factors. The prevalence of malocclusions and anomalies of individual teeth was 60%. Carious tooth lesions and poor-quality proximal restorations were detected in 37.1% of participants. Violations of the rules of individual hygienic care of the oral cavity were observed in 54.3% of patients. Conclusion: Local risk factors lead to a significant deterioration in periodontal health in childhood and adolescence, especially in the case of their combined adverse effects. Significant predictors of gingivitis include the accumulation of microbial biofilm and tartar due to poor oral hygiene, dentoalveolar anomalies, carious cavities and proximal restorations, irregular toothbrushing and poor interdental hygiene. The high prevalence of gingivitis necessitates the priority development of primary prevention of inflammatory periodontal diseases in children and adolescents.