Periodontal Diseases Prevalence Dramatically Underestimated
Periodontal Diseases Prevalence Dramatically UnderestimatedDifferences between the types of testing used to detect periodontal diseases in the United States have reportedly resulted in estimates of the diseases’ prevalence to be less than half of what the actual figure may be.
Periodontal Diseases Prevalence Dramatically Underestimated
Differences between the types of testing used to detect periodontal diseases in the United States have reportedly resulted in estimates of the diseases’ prevalence to be less than half of what the actual figure may be. The lead author of the study that uncovered the finding says the inaccuracy has “significant” implications for public health. Past estimates of the prevalence of periodontal diseases have been based on findings collected from partial-mouth periodontal examinations. A new study funded by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shifted to a full-mouth comprehensive periodontal examination. Metrics for the study were established cooperatively between the CDC and American Academy of Periodontology (AAP).
“This study shows that periodontal disease is a bigger problem that we all thought,” noted Samuel Low, DDS, MS, associate dean and professor of periodontology at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and president of the AAP. Citing the relationship between periodontal diseases and systemic health, Low said that the prevalence of periodontal diseases among Americans carries great implications for overall health of individuals, and “is therefore a significant public health problem.” He called for an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation to be part of the preventive measures used to maintain oral health.
The inaccuracy of previous estimates was indicated by the results of a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 2009 and 2010 that included data collected from more than 450 adults older than age 35. The survey helped researchers better understand the characteristics of periodontal diseases among the nation’s adult population.
Paul Eke, MPH, PhD, an epidemiologist at the CDC, was the lead author of the study that discovered that previous estimates had fallen short. Eke agreed with Low about the risk to overall health posed by periodontal diseases and added, “In light of these findings, understanding the relationships between periodontal disease and other systemic diseases in the adult U.S. population is more crucial than ever.
Source: American Academy of Periodontology.
