Epidemiología del estado de salud periodontal en la VII Región del Maule, Chile

Abstract

Background

Despite periodontal disease being highly prevalent in Chile, information from the regions is scarce and limited, particular as regards the situation in the rural population.

Objective

Given the lack of local data and the high rurality index of the Maule Region, the aim of this study was to determine the periodontal status of the 6, 12, 15, 35 to 44, and 65 to 74 year-old population that lives in the Region.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study (EpiMaule) was conducted on 2,414 individuals, grouped according to the epidemiological surveillance ages indicated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for population studies, sex and area of study. The measurements made include the Silness-Löe bacterial plaque index (IP), Silness-Löe gingival index (IG), and the community periodontal index (IPC). The data were analysed using descriptive and analytical statistics with a significance level of 5%.

Results

The large majority of the population, including children, adults and the elderly, had moderate levels of bacterial plaque and gingival inflammation. Adolescents of 15 years showed the highest prevalence of bleeding on probing in all the ages examined. The older adults had the highest IP (1.75) and IG values among all the groups studied, mainly affecting the older ones that lived in rural areas. Males and the rural population had the highest values for IP as well as for IG (P < .05). A CPI level of 2 was most frequently detected in 77.2% of the 35 to 44 years population. On the other hand, more than one-quarter (28.8%) of the 65-74 year-old participant had probe depths ≥ 4 mm, being the age group with a high prevalence at this CPI level (P < .05).

Conclusions

The population of the Maule Region show significant differences in periodontal status, according to age, sex, and rurality, with the elderly being the most affected. These data suggest the need to implement oral health policies that differentially approach the individual needs of the population.