Periodontal disease and oral hygiene in Arussi province, Ethiopia.

A dental health survey was conducted in the Arussi province in Ethiopia. The survey comprised 1,700 persons between 6 and 54 years of age in five age groups from four regions of the province. Findings concerning periodontal disease and oral hygiene are reported in the present paper. The onset of periodontal disease was early, with 60% of the children in the 6-7 year group having gingivitis. In general, periodontal disease was found in a majority of the surveyed population (83%). Severe periodontal destruction was, however, unusual before the age of 30, but at the age of 45-54 years 52% of the sample exhibited pocket formation. The level of periodontal disease in Ethiopia was judged as low to moderate. A close relationship was observed between oral cleanliness and periodontal condition. A possible favorable influence of the diet and traditional oral cleaning methods is conceivable.