LONDON, UK: Figures by the National Health Service indicate that at least one in 15 adults in the UK currently suffers from the most severe form of periodontal disease. Worldwide, the situation looks even more devastating with the condition to be found in roughly 11 per cent of the earth’s population. An international review published by researchers from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry and dental institutions in Australia and US in the Journal for Dental Research has recently provided the first insights into the global dynamics of the disease and where it is most prevelant.
According to the paper, prevalence as well as incidence of severe periodontitis was reportedly highest in East Sub-Saharan Africa and most parts of South America. Several countries including Australia, Indonesia or Greece, among others, also ranked below the global average.
Regions with low occurrence were North America, followed by developed countries in the Asia Pacific region, as well as Oceania and Western Europe.
While no statistically relevant difference could be found between genders, the researchers said the condition seemed to increase with age throughout all surveyed countries. Hence, people at age 38 and beyond are most at risk for developing severe periodontitis.
Overall, the study found that more than 700 new cases per 100,000 people worldwide add to the already large burden of severe periodontitis every year, which makes the condition rank among the six most prevalent diseases worldwide.
If untreated, it can lead not only to physical pain and psychological discomfort, but also to functional limitation, as well as physical and psychological disabilities, according to the author, Director of Research at Barts Health NHS Trust Prof. Wagner Marcenes, who headed the study.
“The number of severe periodontitis cases has increased dramatically between 1990 and 2010. Since we did not include other types of periodontitis such as its mild and moderate forms, we are facing an even more serious problem in the population’s oral health,” he commented on the results.
He said that the data are currently being evaluated further to find out what might cause this high prevalence including socio-economic indicators and other risk factors.
One of the largest assessment ever conducted on the disease, the review was looking at epidemiological data from more than 70 studies involving 300,000 patients from 37 countries. While it provides insight into the realities of the disease, according to the researchers, the results will have to be treated with caution owing to the problem on how to actually measure periodontal disease. A new standard introduced by the American Academy of Periodontology and the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in 2007, for example, made it difficult to compare any data collected prior.
In the report, the researchers indicated any site with Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs = 4, clinical attachment of larger than 6mm and pocket depth of 5 as periodontitis.
LONDON, UK: Over two-thirds of NHS practices in England have had difficulties filling vacancies, a recent survey by the British Dental Association (BDA) has...
LONDON, UK: Though the exact number of people who suffer from xerostomia is unclear, some studies estimate that as many as one in five of the population ...
NEWCASTLE, UK: Orofacial pain, which affects an estimated 7 per cent of the British population, is an issue caused by a group of conditions affecting the ...
GUILDFORD, UK: Many people still smoke despite warnings and information regarding the health-damaging consequences. In a new study researchers from the ...
BELÉM, Brazil/RUGBY, UK: A recent study has investigated the association between stroke and periodontitis, one of the most common human diseases affecting ...
RUGBY, UK/AMSTERDAM, Netherlands: According to the findings of a new study, most people do not just use their teeth for eating. The research by the Oral ...
HAMBURG, Germany: Periodontal health can contribute to systemic conditions; recent research has found evidence about the links between gum disease and ...
WEYBRIDGE, UK: Haleon, a British multinational consumer healthcare company, and the College of General Dentistry have recently conducted a survey that ...
LONDON, UK: As the statutory regulator for all dental professionals across the UK, the General Dental Council’s (GDC’s) main aim is to maximise patient ...
Live webinar
Fri. 19 July 2024
1:00 am UTC (London)
Live webinar
Tue. 6 August 2024
11:00 pm UTC (London)
Live webinar
Wed. 14 August 2024
12:00 am UTC (London)
Live webinar
Wed. 14 August 2024
5:30 pm UTC (London)
Live webinar
Wed. 21 August 2024
2:00 pm UTC (London)
Dr. Jim Lai DMD, MSc(Perio), EdD, FRCD(C)
Live webinar
Thu. 29 August 2024
1:00 am UTC (London)
Live webinar
Mon. 2 September 2024
10:00 am UTC (London)
To post a reply please login or register