Abstract
This study aimed to describe the prevalence and extent of periodontal diseases among adults in the southern region of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. This population-based cross-sectional study included 1,064 randomized participants (aged 18 to 95 years, 617 females/447 males). Sociodemographic, behaviours and medical information were recorded. Periodontal conditions were assessed with a full-mouth circumferential periodontal examination. It was used the American Association of Periodontology/European Federation of Periodontology 2017 case definitions. A logistic regression analysis was applied to ascertain hypothetical risk factors towards periodontitis. The prevalence of periodontitis was 59.9%, with 24.0% and 22.2% of the participants exhibiting severe and moderate periodontitis, respectively. The risk of periodontitis significantly increased with age (OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.04–1.06), for active and former smokers (OR = 3.76 and OR = 2.11, respectively), with lower education levels (OR = 2.08, OR = 1.86, for middle and elementary education, respectively) and with diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.53). This study confirms a high burden of periodontitis in the target (Portuguese) sub-population. The findings provide a comprehensive understanding that will empower appropriate national public oral health programmes and population-based preventive actions.
Highlights
Prevalence of periodontal diseases endures a substantial epidemiological challenge, while estimates presented in recent years have been very dissimilar, even in countries with alike socio-economically standards[1,2,3]
Periodontitis case definitions have undergone paradigmatic changes evolving from a diagnosis based in terms of clinical attachment loss (CAL) and probing depth (PD), as proposed by the CDC Working Group[11] and revised accordingly[12], to a diagnosis proposed in the new American Association of Periodontology (AAP)/European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) based mainly upon CAL and considering the interproximal space as an adjacent common zone[13]
The available Portuguese national epidemiologic data relies on Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) methodology which is inadequate to describe the periodontal status of populations[22]
Summary
Prevalence of periodontal diseases endures a substantial epidemiological challenge, while estimates presented in recent years have been very dissimilar, even in countries with alike socio-economically standards[1,2,3]. These have contributed to the lack of comprehensive understanding of the periodontal status worldwide. It is essential to carry out studies using the new case definitions which will allow a comprehensive understanding of the current periodontal status in the Portuguese population and the assessment of associated risk factors, to allow future international comparability. It is mandatory to investigate the burden of periodontal disease of a Portuguese target population and its associated risk factors, to serve as a foundation for future national public health strategies
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