Community Periodontal Index Of Treatment Research Articles

Impact of Duration of Orthodontic Treatment on Periodontal Health and Treatment Needs of Patients

Malocclusion is highly prevalent and can also affect the general health of patients. Orthodontic treatment is required to treat malocclusion. This treatment often leads to a deterioration in periodontal and general oral health of patients. Objective: To assess the impact of duration of orthodontic treatment on periodontal health and treatment needs of patients. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was done on a total of 51 individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment. The data were collected from July 2021 to June 2023 after obtaining ethical clearance. All participants above the age of 12 years irrespective of their gender were included in the study. Participants who had mixed dentition or other systemic illness were not included. Data were collected using the Community Periodontal index for treatment needs (CPITN). Results: The difference in CPITN scores across orthodontic treatment groups with respect to duration (p=0.382) was not significant. All groups irrespective of their treatment duration required Basic oral hygiene instructions (TN1) while Complex treatment (TN3) was only required by patients undergoing treatment for more than a year. Conclusions: Basic oral hygiene instructions (TN1) were the treatment need of all patients from all groups irrespective of their treatment duration. An equal percentage of patients from all three treatment groups required (TN2) while (TN3) was only required by patients undergoing treatment for more than a year.

Comparative Clinical Study on Periodontal Health Status and Early Diagnosis of Periodontal Diseases Quantified through Clinical Periodontal Indices on a Group of Children and Adolescents with and without Cardiovascular Diseases.

It is well known that bacterial plaque is the main etiological factor that causes the appearance of periodontal diseases and carious disease. Periodontal diseases can affect children and adolescents and are manifested in the form of gingivitis, but also the early form of chronic periodontitis as well as aggressive marginal periodontitis associated with local or general factors. Early periodontitis is frequently undiagnosed by clinicians due to a lack of knowledge of the specific symptoms. Certain systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, can create favorable conditions for the appearance and progression of severe manifestations of periodontal disease; also, recent research highlights that individuals with periodontal disease present an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Children with congenital or acquired cardiovascular diseases are at increased risk for complications resulting from the growth of microorganisms in the oral cavity, presenting a risk of infective endocarditis. The specific aim was to highlight the existing differences between the periodontal health of children with cardiovascular diseases and that of children without these diseases. The analyzed group included 124 patients, represented by children and adolescents, aged between 7 and 17 years, who were divided into four subgroups depending on the presence or absence of cardiovascular diseases and periodontal disease. A specialized clinical examination was performed for each patient, and periodontal clinical parameters were quantified (plaque index, gingival bleeding index, gingival index, community periodontal index of treatment needs) and associated with the diagnosis of general condition. Patients diagnosed with periodontal disease underwent specialized treatment and were called to a control visit 3 months after treatment. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between subgroups with much higher values of clinical parameters for patients with cardiovascular disease. Also, the response to the treatment was better in the case of patients in the control subgroup without cardiovascular diseases. The present study highlighted the interaction of three factors in the progression of periodontal diseases: subgingival microbiota, immune system response and environmental factors.

The relationship between blood biochemical parameters and oral health in children with obesity/overweight.

Aim The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of obesity and overweight on the oral/dental health and blood biochemistry parameters in children.Methods A total of 87 children (29 boys, 58 girls) aged 1-18 presenting to our paediatric endocrinology outpatient clinic were included in the study. The patient group consisted of children with obesity/overweight and the control group consisted of children with normal weight. Paediatric patients were examined simultaneously by a paediatrician and a paediatric dentist. Oral/dental health examinations of all children included in the study were performed by a specialist paediatric dentist and dmft/DMFT (decayed, missing and filled teeth) values were calculated separately in the mixed dentition period. The Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs 23 index and the dental plaque 35 index were evaluated at oral/dental health examinations. Oral and dental health examination findings and blood biochemistry parameters were compared between the two groups.Results While DMFT, dental plaque index, blood c-reactive protein (CRP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were significantly increased in children with overweight/obesity compared to children with normal weight, there was no difference in terms of daily toothbrushing habits and last dental examination times. Overweight/obesity was found to be associated with the dental plaque and DMFT/dmft index, and elevation in the blood biochemistry parameters CRP and PTH among the children in this study.Conclusion The observation of significant elevation in DMFT and dental plaque indices and numbers of filled deciduous teeth showed that oral/dental health problems and dental decay may emerge more frequently in children with overweight/obesity. Children with overweight should be routinely provided with dental care as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes paediatricians and dentists.

A Comparative Evaluation of Physical Parameters of Saliva and Correlation with Periodontal Condition in Down Syndrome Children and Healthy Controls.

The aim of this study was to assess the significance and role of physical parameters of saliva on periodontal health in children with Down syndrome (DS). A comparative evaluation of physical parameters of saliva such as flow rate, viscosity, pH, quantity and buffering capacity, and buffer capacity was carried out using GC Saliva-Check Buffer kit and correlated with periodontal condition examined using community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN) in 40 DS subjects (group I) and 40 healthy controls (group II) aged 8-15 years. Down syndrome subjects had a low resting salivary flow rate, moderately acidic saliva, very low quantity of stimulated saliva, and low buffering capacity. On correlating salivary parameters with the periodontal condition, DS subjects with CPITN code 1 had low resting salivary flow rate, normal viscosity, moderately acidic pH, very low quantity of stimulated saliva, and low buffering capacity. Down syndrome subjects with CPITN code 2 had low resting flow rate, increased viscosity, very low quantity of stimulated saliva, low buffering capacity, and moderately acidic pH. Healthy controls with CPITN code 0 had normal resting flow rate, viscosity of saliva, quantity of stimulated saliva, buffering capacity, and moderately acidic pH. Compared to healthy controls, DS subjects showed decreased values for resting flow rate, pH, quantity of stimulated saliva, and buffering capacity. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the physical parameters of saliva and periodontal condition in DS subjects (p < 0.05). Periodontal diseases start at a very early age and periodontal health deteriorates at a faster rate in DS children for which saliva also plays its part. Prime importance should be given to frequent oral hygiene and preventive measures in DS children thus preventing accumulation of debris and plaque.

Knowledge and practices regarding oral health and hygiene and its correlation with periodontal health in pregnant women, visiting hospitals of prime foundation

Objectives: To determine the periodontal health of pregnant women by using Community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN). To determine the oral health knowledge of pregnant women during pregnancy. To determine the correlation of knowledge and oral hygiene practices with periodontal health in pregnant women. To compare periodontal health, oral health knowledge and practices in different social classes during pregnancy. Methods and materials: A Cross-sectional study was carried out on 384 pregnant patients visiting gynea OPDs of Mercy, Kuwait, prime teaching hospitals and dental OPD of Peshawar dental hospital following inclusion and exclusion criteria and written consent was taken. Closed ended questionnaire was used consisting of 5 parts i-e age, trimester, oral health assessment (CPITN), oral health knowledge, oral hygiene practices and socioeconomic status. Results: Out of 384 patients 222 (57.8%) had healthy Periodontal status, followed by 75 (19.5%) having pocket depth between 3.5 to 5.5, calculus having 66 (17.2%), bleeding on probing were only 21 (5.5%) patients, whereas no patients were having pocket more than 5.5. 22(5.7%) had good oral health knowledge, 350 (91.1%) had satisfactory and 12 (3.1%) had poor oral health knowledge.

Association of stress, depression and anxiety with periodontal health indicators: A clinical study in adult population of Rishikesh

: Chronic periodontitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the tissues that support teeth, gradual attachment loss, and bone loss. Stress is the body's feedback towards detrimental forces, diseases, and additional atypical circumstances that are determined to distress its routine physiological equilibrium. On the other hand, the most prevalent psychological problems connected to periodontitis are anxiety and sadness.: This study intends to assess the relationship between stress, depression, and anxiety with indices of periodontal health.: A total of 171 patients were assessed &amp; divided into 2 groups. Gingival index, modified sulcus bleeding index, community periodontal index for treatment needs, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level were evaluated. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale–21 questionnaire used as the basis for the psychometric evaluation.: The statistical analysis made use of the student 't' test and Pearson's correlation coefficient. When compared between the two groups, Group A had significantly higher values for each metric. The psychometric parameters and the periodontal parameters had a weakly positive connection (p&amp;#60;0.0001).: According to the current study, people who are stressed, depressed, or anxious are more likely to develop periodontal disease. Therefore, stress, depression &amp; anxiety could be viewed as a significant periodontal disease risk factor.

Malocclusion: Prevalence and Determinants among Adolescents of Karachi, Pakistan.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of malocclusion and its associated demographic and clinical factors in young adolescents (13-15 years) of Karachi, Pakistan. An epidemiological survey included 500 young adolescents of registered schools, madrassas (Islamic education system), and shop workers of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town. It was a cross-sectional analytical study design. Multistage random sampling technique was used to enroll participants. The pattern of occlusion was recorded with other related features using Angle's classification. Health status was recorded through World Health Organization-guided indices (decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth [DMFT], community periodontal index of treatment needs [CPITN], and body mass index [BMI]). The information, thus, obtained was analyzed through SPSS using the chi-squared test and regression models. Forty four percent of the participants were female, while overall estimated prevalence of malocclusion in young adolescents of Karachi was 57.4%. After adjustments, participants going to any kind of education system had less malocclusion in comparison to those who were not going to any education system (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.305, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.12-0.73); mother's education especially higher level (aOR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.08-3.75) and presence of periodontal disease (aOR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.06-2.33) were significantly associated with malocclusion. This study showed that the class I malocclusion is prevalent in the local community. Demographic factors like gender, age, self-reported ethnicity, and BMI did not show any significant role. Education or knowledge of parents and young adolescents does play an influential role in decreasing malocclusion. Young adolescents, who are more prone to oral health problems at an early age, would have more chances to develop occlusal discrepancies.

Periodontal Treatment Needs of Patients Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment in Comparison To Non-Orthodontic Treatment Patients: A Comparative Study

OBJECTIVES To determine the periodontal treatment needs of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment compared to those not undergoing the treatment. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted on 100 patients visiting the Dental OPD of Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore, from June 2019 to July 2020. Clinical examination was done using the Community Periodontal index for treatment needs (CPITN) to assess the participants' periodontal health and treatment needs. RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference in the scores of CPITN across the treatment and control groups (≤0.001). The patients requiring scaling and prophylaxis and Oral hygiene instructions (TN 2) were more (94%) in the orthodontic treatment group in comparison to the non-orthodontic treatment group (62%). A higher percentage of patients (6%) requiring complex treatment (deep scaling, root planning and complex surgical procedures), scaling and prophylaxis and Oral hygiene instructions (TN3) belonged to the non-orthodontic treatment group, while only 4% required it from the orthodontic treatment group. CONCLUSION All orthodontic and non-orthodontic treatment group participants required oral hygiene instructions and had periodontal treatment needs (TN1). The patients requiring scaling and prophylaxis and Oral hygiene instructions (TN 2) were more in the orthodontic treatment group than the non-orthodontic treatment group. A higher percentage of patients requiring complex treatment (deep scaling, root planning and complex surgical procedures), scaling and prophylaxis and Oral hygiene instructions (TN3) belonged to the non-orthodontic treatment group.

Oral Health Status of elementary school aged children in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Pakistan

Dental caries among Pakistani’s school children continue to increase. To identify treatment needs, current epidemiologic data are needed. Such statistics are currently not available for elementary school children. Objectives: To determine the oral status of school children using Decayed, Missed, Filled, Teeth index. To identify treatment need by using Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs index. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was performed on 385 elementary school children aged between 13 to 17 years. A simple random sampling method was performed. The participants were both from government and private schools of Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Pakistan. Data were collected by modified WHO questionnaire. Oral examinations were performed in accordance to WHO guidelines. After taking permission from school, informed consent from parents, and assent from students, oral examinations were done by undergraduate and DMFT and CPITN index were assessed. Results: Mean DMFT and CPITN score among school children came 1.17±2.182 and 1.04±0.910 respectively. More than a one-third of the elementary school students needed high level dental care. Conclusions: Oral health status of elementary school aged children is relatively unsatisfactory. There is a need to introduce dental camps and oral hygiene awareness programs in educational settings.

Microbial Sampling Using Interdental Brushes and Paper Points around Teeth and Implants: A Pilot Study for Comparison.

Inflammatory periodontal and peri-implant diseases follow dysbiotic shifts in a susceptible host. A well-established tool for microbial sample collection is the use of paper points. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the use of interdental brushes compared to paper points. Biofilm samples were collected with paper points and later interdental brushes from ten patients. Five patients were represented with a community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN) of 0-2 around the teeth and an implant with PPD ≤ 5 mm and no radiological bone loss. The remaining five patients had a CPITN ≥ 3 and one implant with peri-implantitis. Microbial samples were analyzed with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS). The results showed higher amounts of DNA in samples taken by interdental brushes but also higher Ct values. Both methods detected Filifactor alocis, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola in the majority of samples, while Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was rarely found. A microbial dysbiosis index showed comparable or higher values in sites with no periodontitis/peri-implantitis with interdental brushes. The results of this pilot study indicate that interdental brushes might be a valid technique for microbial sampling and particularly advantageous in the early detection of dysbiotic shifts around teeth and implants. Larger studies with more participants are needed to validate the proposed microbial sampling method with interdental brushes.

Impact of Dialysis on Periodontal and General Oral Health of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Objective: To assess the impact of dialysis on periodontal and general oral health of chronic kidney disease patients. Methodology: A Cross sectional comparative study was conducted in the department of Nephrology and Urology, Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore on 32 patients with chronic kidney disease in the time duration of one year. Chronic kidney disease stage 3, 4 and 5 patients with age above 18 years, belonging to both the genders and same socioeconomic status were a part of the study. Data collection was based on the following parameters: Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN). Results: There was a statistically non-significant association between stage of chronic kidney disease and periodontal health of patients undergoing dialysis (p=0.185) and general oral health (p=0.120). Practical Implication: This study will help dental practitioners understand the impact of renal dialysis on general oral and periodontal health of patients with chronic kidney disease and in turn help them provide effective health care to these patients who have specialized treatment needs. Conclusion: It was seen that stage 3 patients had the highest percentage of bleeding gums while none had periodontal pockets nor calculus deposition. Stage 4 patients had an equal percentage of calculus deposition and periodontal pocket depth of 4-5 mm. Stage 5 patients had a high percentage of Periodontal pocket depths of 4-5mm followed by calculus and then bleeding gums. A higher percentage of stage 3 and 5 patients undergoing dialysis had a high DMFT whereas the percentage of stage 4 patients with high and low DMFT scores was equal. Keywords: Dialysis, Chronic kidney disease, periodontal health, Community periodontal index for treatment needs (CPITN)

Periodontal Treatment Needs of Smokers in Comparison to Non-Smokers: A Comparative Study

Objective: To assess the periodontal treatment needs of smokers in comparison to non-smokers. Methodology: A Cross sectional comparative study was carried out on 100 patients, 50 smokers and 50 non-smokers, visiting Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore from June 2019 to July 2020. Intra-oral examination was done using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN). Recorded data was coded, entered and analyzed using SPSS statistical Package version 23. Results: Majority of the smokers and non-smokers (100%) required oral hygiene instructions and had periodontal treatment needs (TN1). It was seen that a higher percentage of smokers (92%) required Scaling and prophylaxis and Oral hygiene instructions (TN 2) in comparison to non-smokers (36%). It was seen that 26 % smokers and none of the non-smokers required required complex treatment, scaling, prophylaxis and oral hygiene instructions (TN3). Conclusion: Majority of the smokers and non-smoke required oral hygiene instructions and had periodontal treatment needs (TN1). A higher percentage of smokers required Scaling and prophylaxis and Oral hygiene instructions (TN 2) as well as complex treatment, scaling, prophylaxis and oral hygiene instructions (TN3) in comparison to non-smokers Keywords: Periodontal treatment needs, smokers, non-smokers, Community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN).

Periodontal Treatment Needs of Women Across Different Trimesters of Pregnancy

Objective: To find the difference in the periodontal treatment needs of females across different trimesters of pregnancy. Methodology: A cross sectional comparative study was conducted among 44 pregnant visiting the gynecology department of Sharif Medical and Dental College and Raiwind Polyclinic, Lahore (community outreach program of the institute). Data was collected using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) Results: The highest percentage of females (24%) requiring no treatment (TN0) were in their third trimester. The majority of females in their second trimester (85.7%) required oral hygiene instructions and had periodontal treatment needs (TN1) and those in their first trimester (83.3%) required Scaling and prophylaxis and Oral hygiene instructions (TN 2). Conclusion: The highest percentage of females with healthy periodontium were in their third trimester. Periodontal pocket depth of 4-5 mm were seen the most on the clinical examination of women in their second trimester but least in third trimester. The highest percentage of females requiring no treatment (TN0) were in their third trimester. The majority of females in their second trimester required oral hygiene instructions and had periodontal treatment needs (TN1) and those in their first trimester required Scaling and prophylaxis and Oral hygiene instructions (TN 2). Keywords: Periodontal treatment needs, first trimester, second trimester, third trimester, Community periodontal index for treatment needs (CPITN)

THE DIAGNOSTIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HELICOBACTER PYLORI, PERIODONTAL DISEASES AND GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX

Background and objectives. The development of the digestive tract and periodontal diseases is influenced by several general risk factors. One of them is the tooth loss, due to periodontal diseases, which results in poor mas­tication of food and latter gastroesophageal reflux. The second major risk factor is bacterial microflora. Current research is relevant due to the controversial nature of the opinions on the general bacterial causes of the aforemen­tioned diseases and their correlations. The aim of the study is to confirm the hypothesis that the development of periodontal and gastroesophageal reflux diseases is influenced by the simultaneous colony deve-lopment of Helicobacter pylori in periodontal pockets and the digestive tract. Material and Methods. A total of 70 respondents were studied. Social and demographic indicators were ana­lyzed based on the data of a questionnaire-based survey. The periodontium was studied clinically; community periodontal index of treatment needs was determined, a rapid urease test (Pronto Dry) was performed to de­tect bacteria. The gastroesophageal reflux disease was analyzed using an endoscope and via survey. The re­spondents were distributed into three test and three age groups. IBM SPSS Statistics 22 software was used for statistical analysis. Results. A statistically significant correlation was found between the community periodontal index of treatment needs and Reflux symptom index (p=0.004), and urease test (p&lt;0.001) and oral hygiene (p&lt;0.05). No statisti­cally significant correlations were determined between indices (RSI; RFS), age, gender, urease test (p&gt;0.05). Conclusions. The colony formation of Helicobacter py­lori in periodontium has no impact on the gastroesopha­geal reflux disease but is significantly related to periodon­tal diseases. Thus, the oral cavity is the primary reservoir of internal H. pylori colonization.

Oral Health Status of Outpatients with Schizophrenia in Ankara, Türkiye: A Descriptive Study.

To evaluate the oral health status and denture treatment needs of a group of outpatients with schizophrenia. One hundred and eighty-eight patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were evaluated. Socio-demographic characteristics, eating habits, alcohol consumption, smoking status, oral hygiene attitudes, medical status, medications and the data related to dental visit were obtained via structured questionnaire of 45 questions. Medication information were confirmed from hospital records. The DMFT score (the Total of decayed, missing and filled teeth), denture status, Community Periodontal Index of Treatment (CPITN) and attachment loss were recorded in accordance with the criteria defined by the WHO. The mean DMFT score was 11.1±8.6. Total number of teeth decreased, while the number of decayed teeth and DMFT scores increased with age (p<0.001). There was no relationship between the anticholinergic effects of antipsychotics and the teeth count, number of decayed, filled and missing teeth, and the DMFT scores. The CPITN assessment revealed that 71.6% of the patients had healthy periodontium, 7.4% exhibited gingival bleeding upon probing, and 21% had dental calculus. Psychotropic medication and tooth brushing habits were associated with CPITN scores. Male sex was associated with higher frequency of denture need (p<0.001), while no association was observed with the education level and antipsychotic use (p>0.001). Physicians and dentists have to work in coordination to maintain good oral health of patients with schizophrenia. Patients should be encouraged for regular dental check-ups and dentist should take utmost care of the oral hygiene maintenance.

Tooth Loss, Cognitive Impairment and Fall Risk: A Cross-Sectional Study of Older Adults in Rural Thailand.

Tooth loss is associated with both cognitive impairment and fall risk. However, the relationships between these variables are complex and bidirectional. Observed associations have been reported in separate studies but data on rural-dwelling older adults remain sparse. This cross-sectional study investigated socioeconomic and dental factors affecting cognitive functions, and the association between tooth loss, cognitive functioning, and fall risk. Two hundred and thirty-one rural-dwelling older adults (60−74 years old) were recruited from a single Dental Service Unit. Cognitive function and fall risk were assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Morse Fall Scale, respectively. Oral examinations were performed by a dentist using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs form. 38.1%, had >16 tooth loss. Socioeconomic data and health status were obtained from a questionnaire and interviews. Age, Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score, and the number of teeth lost was significantly associated with impaired cognitive function. Chi-square analysis showed that cognitive function was also associated with fall risk. Past research suggests that much cognitive impairment and fall risk is induced by tooth loss. Service planners need to be aware of the complex bidirectional relationships between these variables and give higher priority to dental services that can improve the general health status and social functioning of older rural adults.

Diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease: the profession's choices.

This paper reviews why doctors rarely refer their diabetic patients for a dental opinion and suggests strategies to teach them the importance of controlling periodontal disease as part of a system of joint care. A pro forma to share results and define diabetic risks for doctors, dentists and patients has been developed. Periodontal risks could be better defined if the community periodontal index of treatment needs score of 2 for calculus is divided into 2 for supra-gingival and 2* for sub-gingival types.

Evaluation of salivary parameters (flow rate, pH, amylase and total protein) in periodontitis patients based on CPITN criteria

Introduction: The available literature on the topic is inconclusive and sometime taking less parameters in consideration. Moreover, there is no published data available in local population. Objectives: To determine and compare salivary flow rate, pH, total proteins, and alpha amylase in periodontitis patients based on community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN) score. Materials &amp; Methods: A cross sectional study on 80 participants selected by purposive sampling was completed in 6 months. Participants were divided into 5 groups by CPITN scoring. Individuals more than 30 years with at least 20 teeth having calculus/staining were included. The study was conducted at Dental department of Civil Dispensary Peshawar city, Khyber College of Dentistry (periodontology ward) and Khyber Medical University (Biochemistry lab). After explaining the procedure and taking consent, saliva was collected from the participants following aseptic technique and analyzed through ELISA. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. P value &lt;0.05 was considered to be significant in our study. Results: Among 80 subjects, 51 were females and 29 were males with mean age 35.73±7.05 years and BMI 26.47±5.23.

Oral health profile status and treatment needs in the Salvadoran elderly population: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionOlder adults are a highly vulnerable group in their general health condition, including oral health that can be influenced by different factors, among them, changes in oral tissues inherent to the physiological processes of aging and by systemic condition. In El Salvador, it is a group that has received little attention at the public health level.ObjectiveTo determine the profile of the oral health status and treatment needs of the elderly population in El Salvador.Materials and methodsSecondary cross-sectional analysis of data from the last oral health survey in 471 Salvadorans aged 60 years and older. The variables under study were: sociodemographics, brushing frequency, oral hygiene according to simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S), caries experience according to decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (DMFT) modified with international caries detection and assessment system (ICDAS) criteria, periodontal status through the community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN), edentulism and treatment needs. Statistical analysis was conducted using chi-square test, ANOVA, z-test and linear regression (p < 0.05).ResultsThe older adults presented poor oral hygiene, low brushing frequency, high tooth loss with an average of 16 missing teeth while one third presented total edentulism. Most of the older adults were categorized as having "poor or very Poor" oral hygiene. Almost all respondents presented some degree of periodontal disease and required restorative intervention.ConclusionThe oral health status of elderly Salvadoran is poor. Furthermore, the development of public policies and specific oral health strategies aimed at this population is urgent.

Periodontal and Gingival Health of Pregnant Women in Comparison to Non-Pregnant Women

Objective: To assess pregnant women's periodontal and gingival health compared to non-pregnant women.&#x0D; Study Design: Cross-sectional comparative study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Gynecology, Sharif Medical and Dental College, and Raiwind Polyclinic Lahore (Outreach program of the Sharif Medical and Dental College, from Mar 2019 to Aug 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: The periodontal and gingival health of 44 pregnant and 52 non-pregnant females was evaluated using the community periodontal index of treatment needs and gingival index. &#x0D; Results: A total of 44 pregnant and 52 non-pregnant were evaluated. The periodontal health and pregnancy status were significantly associated (p=0.008). The periodontal health and the trimester of pregnancy were not significantly associated (p=0.787). There was no significant association between the gingival health of the females with the status of pregnancy (p=0.773). Maximum calculus deposition in the oral cavity of pregnant women was during the third trimester (36.4%).&#x0D; Conclusion: The pregnant females had a higher percentage of bleeding gums, while calculus deposition was higher in non-pregnant females. Pregnant females had more periodontal pockets of 4-5 mm, while pocket depths of 6mm or more were seen in non-pregnant females only.