National survey of periodontal diseases in adolescents and young adults in Morocco

Abstract

Aim: National surveys of periodontal diseases in children are rare. This study describes the first national survey of oral health of adolescents attending public schools in Morocco. We report the prevalence and demographic determinants of periodontal diseases, and generate population estimates for this young population. Materials and Methods:This study used a multi-stage probability sample comprising 14,667 students in 87 schools and 520 classrooms, representative of students attending grades 6-12 (age 12-18 years) in Morocco. The students were interviewed and then examined clinically to assess their periodontal status, which was classified according to the 2017 World Workshop. In addition, the diagnosis of aggressive periodontitis (AgP) was assessed.Results: Of approximately 3 million students in this age cohort, 12.3% (or approximately 360,894 subjects) had periodontitis and 46.9% (1.4 million) had gingivitis. They comprised 10.8%, 2.9%, and 6.1% subjects with periodontitis stage I, II, and III/IV, respectively; 5.0%, or 148,336 subjects, had AgP. The prevalence rates were not significantly different by gender or urban status. However, the prevalence of AgP was particularly high in certain regions of Morocco. Conclusions:The prevalence of staged periodontitis and AgP in this young population is among the highest reported in national surveys worldwide.

Prevalence of periodontal disease in young Moroccans: A national survey

“…We recently investigated the prevalence of periodontitis in this population and found that 10.5% of the subjects had periodontitis, and approximately half of these subjects had the aggressive form of periodontitis, currently classified as Stage III Grade C 30 . In addition, at least half of this young population have gingival inflammation.…”

“…We recently investigated the prevalence of periodontitis in this population and found that 10.5% of the subjects had periodontitis, and approximately half of these subjects had the aggressive form of periodontitis, currently classified as Stage III Grade C. 30 In addition, at least half of this young population have gingival inflammation. Given the relatively high prevalence of periodontitis, gingival inflammation, and the other parameters of periodontal disease assessed in this study, it is paramount to investigate the causal and risk factors of disease in this young population.…”

Radiographic and clinical signs of periodontitis and associated bacterial species in a Swedish adolescent population

“…In the Nordic countries, studies have indicated a rather low prevalence (0%–0.1%) of this type of periodontitis 4–7 . Interestingly, in other populations (e.g., populations in North and West Africa) the prevalence of this disease is clearly higher 8,9 . Socioeconomic status, 10,11 geographic origin, 12 and carriage of specific oral bacterial species 13,14 have been discussed as possible factors contributing to the prevalence.…”

“…Interestingly, in other populations (e.g., populations in North and West Africa) the prevalence of this disease is clearly higher. 8,9 Socioeconomic status, 10,11 geographic origin, 12 and carriage of specific oral bacterial species 13,14 have been discussed as possible factors contributing to the prevalence. As migration is increasing globally, periodontitis among adolescents could be expected to increase in populations where it has been historically rare.…”