ABSTRACT
Objective : The objective of this study was to assess the periodontal status; treatment needs and dental visit practice of adolescents in Lagos; Nigeria. Methods : 600 subjects were selected by stratified random sampling from 6 schools; 3 secondary and 3 primary schools in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos state; Nigeria. About one hundred subjects in each age category of 11 to 16 years were selected. A questionnaire was designed seeking biographic data such as age; sex; occupation of parent; and dental visit attendance and a section for recording periodontal clinical examination using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) was included. The periodontal status; treatment needs and dental visit practices of adolescents were determined. Results: Only 3 were found to be healthy periodontally. 83 of the subjects presented predominately with the worst condition recorded; code 2 (i.e. calculus); which is a reversible condition. A mean of 0.6 healthy sextants; 2.3 bleeding sextants and 3.1 calculus-accumulated sextants was calculated. A statistical difference in periodontal status was noted with age; the younger adolescents (11-13 years) presenting predominately with bleeding sextants when compared to the older adolescents (14-16 years) who presented more calculus-accumulated sextants. Nearly all subjects required periodontal treatment. 83 needed professional prophylaxis (TN2). Conclusion: There is a need for a school oral health education programme within the LGA with a focus on periodontal disease prevention and provision of oral prophylaxis by dental surgeons; therapists and volunteer dental students