The prevalence and severity of periodontitis in a Polish cross-sectional gerodontological study

Introduction
Evaluation of the prevalence and severity of periodontitis as a significant aspect in the overall assessment of oral health and needs of integrated treatment in gerodontology was performed.

Objectives
In the population aged 65-74 evaluation of prevalence and severity of periodontitis as definied by CDC/AAP in the Polish cross-sectional epidemiological study.

Material and methods
A total of 1,200 people aged 65-74, living in a city (Wrocław, 630,000 population) and in a small town (Oława, 33,000 population) located in southwestern Poland were randomly selected to participate in the study. 285 people from Wrocław and 102 from Oława took part in the epidemiological study. In a clinical dental examination the following aspects were assessed: the number of teeth, bleeding on probing (BoP), pocket probing depth (PPD) and the clinical attachment level (CAL) for all teeth at 4 measurement points. A periodontal diagnosis was made according to the CDC/AAP criteria. In the anamnestic study, variables related to the socio-economic status, systemic conditions and behavioral factors related to selected oral health behaviors were determined.

Results
The prevalence of periodontitis was 47.9% (20.8% moderately advanced and 21.2% severely advanced). Statistically, periodontitis occurred more frequently in persons with current nicotine addiction, with a history of a cardiovascular incident and also in men. In the multifactorial model it was found that the significant protection against periodontitis is related to the highest personal income, the correct pattern of daily tooth brushing and self-financed dental treatment, whereas the history of a cardiovascular incident is associated with its occurrence.

Conclusions
The prevalence of periodontitis in seniors of Lower Silesia is lower, while the presence of its severe form is comparable to the findings of foreign regional studies.