A comparative assessment of periodontal status and treatment needs among population in Tumkur district using CPITN: An epidemiological study

Background: Evaluation of existing oral health services showed that it is predominantly urban oriented, mostly curative in nature and accessible mainly to small a part of population, i.e., privileged few. Periodontal diseases are more prevalent in a rural population than the urban population. The socio demographic profi le is highly contrasting between the urban and rural population. It is essential to know whether these sociodemographic factors infl uence periodontal disease by comparing periodontal status of urban and rural population. Objective: The objective of the study is to assess and compare the periodontal status and treatment needs of rural and urban population in Tumkur district. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The sample consisted of 1500 subjects among which 750 subjects were selected from the rural population and 750 from urban population of Tumkur district. The data was collected by modifi ed WHO oral health assessment form and clinical examination was conducted by using CPITN C probe. Results: It was found that the urban population had better periodontal health than rural population and this relationship was statistically signifi cant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: India is a country with a population having diverse culture, life style and religious beliefs which might infl uence the health status of the individuals signifi cantly. Hence, it is necessary to conduct such surveys in diff erent parts of the country and develop a strategy to improve the periodontal status of the population as a whole.