Magister Chirurgiae Dentium - MChD (Oral Medicine and Periodontics)

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    Periodontal disease in an adolescent Caucasian population in South Africa - An epidemiological survey
    (University of the Western Cape, 1983) Josephson, Cecil Aubrey; Dreyer, Wynand
    The epidemiology of periodontal disease in the Republic of South Africa has received only scant attention in the past and consequently the available information is limited. The present study was therefore planned with the primary goal being to establish base-line information regarding periodontal disease in a portion of the population. The adolescent age group was selected as the target for the survey in that destructive periodontal disease (periodontitis) probably commences in many instances during the teenage years and therefore the group would be the one most likely to derive maximum benefit from preventive care and simple treatment measures which could be realistically provided by existing community dental health services. To translate the result into practicality a simple method of treatment needs estimation was also incorporated. In view of the diverse nature of the inhabitants of the Republic of South Africa and in keep with previously conducted studies, the presedt survey was confined to a single ethnic group. The population comprised all 3 .684 white pupils in Standard VIII attending the 34 schools in the Cape Peninsula during 1977. A random sample of 500 was selected for investigation. The average age of the sample was 15 years 9 months and the two sexes were equally represented. Only 7,2% were classified in the lower grade socio-economic class and thus were considered not to have a significant effect on the results. METHOD A team of three, consisting of the author and two assistants, visited each school. Portable equipment included a reclining chair, lighting, compressed air, and hand instruments. The investigation began with a questionnaire to establish the attitude to and experience of symptoms, prevention, and treatment of periodontal disease within the sample. Each subject was then examined and at each of 12 sites, on the 8 incisors and 4 first molars, recordings were made of plaque, gingivitis, supragingival calculus, subgingival calculus, and loss of attachment (periodontitis) according to defined criteria. A standard statistical package was used to analyse the recordings. RESULTS The questionnaire: This showed that almost all the subjects (98%) were interested in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease in order to achieve and maintain oral health. Not with standing this.The overall prevalence of plaque was 97% and the mean Plaque Index (Pl.I) was 0,94 with 75% of the subjects having a mean Pl.I=0,5. The site prevalence data revealed that out of 12 sites, on average, 4 had Pl.I~O, 4 had Pl.I~l, and 4 had Pl.I~2. In the maxilla the molar sites had the higher plaque levels, whilst in the mandible the incisor sites had higher plaque levels. The sex-specific data showed the males to have higher mean plaque levels than the females, but in 50% of sample with a mean PI.I 0,5 to 1,45 there was ) had had any appurtenant treatment. The overall prevalence of plaque was 97% and the mean Plaque Index (Pl.I) was 0,94 with 75% of the subjects having a mean Pl.I=0,5. The site prevalence data revealed that out of 12 sites, on average, 4 had Pl.I~O, 4 had Pl.I~l, nd 4 had Pl.I~2. In the maxilla the molar sites had the higher plaque levels, whilst in the mandible the incisor sites had higher plaque levels. The sex-specific data showed the males to have higher mean plaque levels than the females, but in 50% of sample with a mean PI.I 0,5 to 1,45 there was no difference.