S A Dowsett1, G J Eckert, M J Kowolik. 1. Department of Periodontics, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, IN , USA. sdowsett@iupui.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare the periodontal disease levels of two distinct indigenous populations of Guatemala, Central America, to determine whether differences exist. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional studies were performed in adults from the communities of San Juan La Laguna, SJLL (n = 125) and Tzununa (n = 54). In both cases, full-mouth pocket probing depths (PPDs) and clinical attachment levels (CALs) were measured by a single examiner, and the same examiner was employed in both studies. Recession at each site was derived from PPD and CAL measures. RESULTS: Tooth number did not differ significantly between SJLL and Tzununa (28.0 and 27.2, respectively). With respect to periodontal disease status, the percentage of sites with PPD >or= 5, 6 and 7 mm did not differ significantly, although mean PPD was significantly greater in the Tzununa sample (P = 0.01). Mean CAL and percentage of sites with CAL >or= 4, 5, 6 and 7 mm was significantly greater in SJLL than in Tzununa (P < 0.005) and the difference increased with age. Mean recession was also significantly greater in SJLL than Tzununa (P < 0.005), as was the percentage of sites with recession >or= 3 mm (P = 0.02), 4 mm (P = 0.002) and 5 mm (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: The disease levels differed between these two indigenous Guatemalan communities. Whether this has a primarily environmental or genetic basis remains to be elucidated. :
OBJECTIVE: To compare the periodontal disease levels of two distinct indigenous populations of Guatemala, Central America, to determine whether differences exist. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional studies were performed in adults from the communities of San Juan La Laguna, SJLL (n = 125) and Tzununa (n = 54). In both cases, full-mouth pocket probing depths (PPDs) and clinical attachment levels (CALs) were measured by a single examiner, and the same examiner was employed in both studies. Recession at each site was derived from PPD and CAL measures. RESULTS: Tooth number did not differ significantly between SJLL and Tzununa (28.0 and 27.2, respectively). With respect to periodontal disease status, the percentage of sites with PPD >or= 5, 6 and 7 mm did not differ significantly, although mean PPD was significantly greater in the Tzununa sample (P = 0.01). Mean CAL and percentage of sites with CAL >or= 4, 5, 6 and 7 mm was significantly greater in SJLL than in Tzununa (P < 0.005) and the difference increased with age. Mean recession was also significantly greater in SJLL than Tzununa (P < 0.005), as was the percentage of sites with recession >or= 3 mm (P = 0.02), 4 mm (P = 0.002) and 5 mm (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: The disease levels differed between these two indigenous Guatemalan communities. Whether this has a primarily environmental or genetic basis remains to be elucidated. :