Periodontal status and associated factors in 15-year-old Sri Lankans.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to determine the periodontal status and associated factors in 15-year-old Sri Lankans.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study where the data were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire and a clinical examination. A total of 400 15 year olds were selected using a two-stage cluster sampling technique from schools in the Nattandiya education division of the Puttalam district of Sri Lanka.

RESULTS

The prevalence of gingival inflammation was 86%, and nearly 7% of the adolescents had chronic periodontitis. The mean gingival index, debris index, calculus index, and oral hygiene index scores of the sample were 0.47±0.3, 0.31±0.2, 0.46±0.3, and 0.78±0.5, respectively. A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the debris level, calculus level, frequency of toothbrushing, and the level of education of the mother were significantly associated with gingival status.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of gingival inflammation was high, and both the debris and calculus levels were strongly associated with gingival status in these adolescents.