FREQUENCY OF GINGIVAL AND PERIODONTAL DISEASES AMONG TROOPS DEPLOYED IN OPERATIONAL AREA

Periodontal Diseases

Abstract

Objective: To find the frequency of periodontal disease among troops deployed in operational area and to evaluate the treatment needs which might be helpful in the oral health policy planning and specific intervention against periodontal disease.
Design: Descriptive study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at 140 mobile dental unit Swat from Dec 2009 to June 2011.
Subjects and Methods: The periodontal status of 1500 personnels of Pakistan Army was examined using Basic Periodontal Examination Index. Data was evaluated by SPSS version 16. Percentage of various gingival and periodontal disease traits was calculated and treatment needs determined.
Results: Out of total 1500 subjects 12.8% subjects were having satisfactory periodontal health and required no treatment whereas 38.3% were having gingivitis requiring oral hygiene instruction and prophylaxis. Gingivitis modified by local factors was seen in 23.5% and required oral hygiene instruction and correction of modifying factors. Some (13.6%) were having mild periodontitis and required scaling, root planning and oral hygiene instruction whereas 11.8% were having moderate or advance periodontitis and required comprehensive periodontal treatment including surgical treatment.
Conclusion: A large number of cases (82.7%) of gingivitis and periodontitis were detected in subject population which shows lack of awareness and self-consciousness among troops regarding their oral hygiene.