Assessment Of Periodontal Status And Treatment Needs In Karnataka, India

Objectives :Increasing incidence of periodontal disease is a cause of concern and recognized potential public problem. The aim of this study was to understand the epidemiological profile of periodontal disease in rural population of Belgaum district, India. Materials and Methods ;1680 dentate adult subjects were examined from 12 villages in Belgaum district, Karnataka, India, for prevalence of periodontal status and their treatment needs by using Community Periodontal Index for Treatment Needs (CPITN) indicing system. Subjects were drawn from the age groups of 15-19 yrs, 20-29 yrs, 30-34 yrs, 45-60 yrs and 61 yrs & above. Results :-It was observed that as the age increased, the CPITN score also increased. While, CPITN score 2 (calculus) was most predominant in age groups 15-19 yrs & 20-29 yrs, CPITN score 3 (pathological pocket of 4-5 mm) was more common in the age groups 30-44 yrs & 45-60 yrs. CPITN score 4 (pathological pocket of >6 mm) was the highest in age groups 64 yrs & above. The treatment need was mainly TN-1 (oral hygiene instructions). The need for complex treatment i.e. TN-3 (deep scaling, root planning or surgery) was less in age group 15-19 yrs, but TN-3 increased with increasing age and was highest in the age group 61 yrs & above. Conclusion :The present study indicates increase prevalence of periodontal diseases and aggressive treatment needs as the age progresses in the rural population. Therefore, adequate awareness regarding oral hygiene and importance on primary prevention could help in reducing the prevalence of periodontal disease to a great extent.