engleski

The change in periodontal conditions and caries experience in Zagreb, Croatia, after a period of 19 years (1985– 2004)

Almost 19 years ago a large dental survey concerning periodontal conditions and caries experience was conducted in the town of Zagreb. Since new data about the oral health conditions of the citizens of Zagreb were unknown a new survey was conducted. In the town of Zagreb, Croatia 1147 subjects from 6– 55 and above were surveyed. The results were compared with the results of the 1985– 6 survey. The WHO CPI (Community periodontal index) methods were used to survey the oral health conditions. In age groups from 6– 20 we can see an increase in average numbers of healthy sextants (2.5 versus 1), and a decrease of bleeding sextants (2.5 versus 3.5), while there is an increase of sextants with deep periodontal pockets in age groups from 30– 55 and above (1.5 versus 0.5). This observation could be a consequence of more retained teeth as shown by the smaller DMF scores in the 2002– 4 survey.45% of the examined did not know what periodontitis was. The results show that subjects who irregularly visit dentists, less frequently brush their teeth and smoke have more deep pockets. In spite of the improved oral health conditions of the citizens in Zagreb, as compared to 19 years ago, the prevalence of periodontal diseases and caries is still very high. The results indicate that preventive programs should be improved, and that the population should be informed about periodontal disease, its economic burden, prevention and treatment possibilities.

oral health; CPI

Ref no: EUABS066007