PERIODONTAL CONDITIONS IN A GROUP OF SWEDISH ADOLESCENTS .1. A DESCRIPTIVE EPIDEMIOLOGIC-STUDY

Abstract The aim of the present study was to describe, clinically and radiographically, the periodontal conditions in 16‐ and 18‐year‐old adolescents from northern Sweden. The studied samples comprised 287 16‐year‐olds and 283 18‐year‐olds. The clinical examination included recording of presence of plaque, bleeding on probing and calculus, and measurements of attachment level and pocket depth. Alveolar bone level was measured on bite‐wing radiographs. A history was taken of the individual's occupation, oral hygiene habits and tobacco use, health, medication and previous orthodontic treatment. The prevalence of attachment loss (AL) was 9.4% in the 16‐year‐olds and 19.4% in the 18‐year‐olds. Proximal AL was found in 2.8% and 4.9%, respectively, and proximal bone loss in 1% in both groups. With only a few exceptions (3 individuals out of 82), the individuals with AL had their loss either at buccal/lingual surfaces or at proximal surfaces. Calculus was present in 32.7% of the 16‐year‐olds and in 44.9% of the 18‐year‐olds. Pocket >3 mm were found in 4%. No significant differences concerning the periodontal status or presence of plaque and calculus were detected between urban and rural groups or between sexes. Toothbrushing 2 or more times/day was performed by 84.3% of the 16‐year‐olds and by 83.7% of the 18‐year‐olds. Copyright © 1990, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved