A radiographic study of the prevalence of chronic periodontitis in 14-year-old English schoolchildren.

The prevalence of chronic periodontitis was investigated in six hundred and two 14-year-old English schoolchildren using a standardised radiographic technique. The interproximal spaces on the mesial and distal aspects of the first molar teeth were examined. Oral cleanliness and gingivitis for the anterior teeth and caries prevalence were also recorded. Radiographic evidence of chronic periodontitis was detected in 51.5% of the children examined. No significant relationship was demonstrated between bone loss associated with the first molars and any of the other parameters measured.