An overview of the epidemiology of periodontal diseases in Latin America

Abstract

The aim of the present review was to identify the presence of periodontal diseases and the relative importance of known risk factors in Latin American countries. The retrieved data are sparse and inconsistent, lacking information for the majority of the countries. Gingivitis is ubiquitous in the region, affecting all ages independently of the socioeconomic background. The extension of bleeding may vary greatly, ranging from 40% to 70% of sites. The prevalence of aggressive periodontitis is higher in Latin America than in industrialized countries. Prevalence ranges from 0.3% to 4.5%, and the localized form is the less prevalent. The prevalence of chronic periodontitis is high, with a large variation (40-80%) probably due to differences in methodology and diagnostic criteria. Regional differences may be relevant. Known risk factors are present in the populations studied. Non-modifiable factors such as age, gender and genetics have been associated in Brazilian and Chilean populations. Tobacco smoking and diabetes are relevant risk factors. The importance of socioeconomic status, although present as a risk factor, has been largely underestimated. Oral hygiene is extremely deficient in the area although it is a cultural habit in most populations. It can be concluded that periodontal diseases are highly prevalent in Latin American populations. Its prevalence and extent are associated with known risk factors. Oral hygiene habits are deficient. Well designed epidemiological studies with external validity are needed. Descriptors: Epidemiology; Latin America; Gingivitis; Periodontitis; Risk factors.Resumo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar a presença das doenças periodontais e a importância relativa de reconhecidos fatores de risco nos países da América Latina. Foram encontradas informações esparsas, sendo que os dados se mostraram inconsistentes. Para a maioria dos países não existem informações. Gengivite é um achado universal na região, afetando todas as idades, independentemente do nível socioeconômico. A extensão da presença de sangramento pode variar entre 40% e 70% dos sítios. A prevalência de periodontite agressiva é maior na América Latina do que nos países industrializados. A prevalência varia de 0,3% a 4,5%, sendo que a forma localizada é a menos prevalente. A prevalência de periodontite crônica é alta e pode variar muito (40% a 80%) provavelmente em decorrência de diferenças na metodologia e nos critérios diagnósticos. Diferenças regionais podem ser relevantes. Os fatores de risco reconhecidos estão presentes nas populações estudadas. Fatores próprios como idade, gênero e genética foram relacionados em estudos brasileiros e chilenos. Tabagismo e diabetes demonstraram-se importantes fatores de risco. A importância do nível socioeconômico, ainda que presente como um fator de risco, é muito pouco relevada. Higiene oral é extremamente deficiente na região, embora seja um hábito cultural presente na maioria das populações. Pode-se concluir que as doenças periodontais apresentam alta prevalênci...

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