Current status of periodontal disease in the junior ranks of Army Units at Rawalpindi

ABSTRACT

Periodontal disease like dental caries is an important cause of loss of teeth in our country. 1400 army personnel aged 18-52 years were examined for their periodontal disease status and type of periodontal treatment required by recording Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs [CPITN]. Results showed that 98% of the subjects suffered from varying degrees of periodontal disease ranging from mild gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. 64% of subjects required simple treatment like scaling or oral prophylaxis and oral hygiene improvement. 31% required complex periodontal treatment including surgery due to the advanced disease. As bacterial plaque plays a major role in the aetiology of periodontal disease, effective plaque control procedures can prevent and arrest the disease progression