Prevalence and Management of Periodontitis

Sujini et al | DOI: 10.65188/nurexus.1001

Nurexus | Journal of MedVerse Research and Practice | Volume 1 | Issue – 1 | June 2023

Page 18

Journal of MedVerse Research & Practice

nurexus.com

Prevalence and Management of Periodontitis

Dr. Sujini

, Dr. Ajith

, Dr. Pooja

PG student, Professor, Professor

Department of Periodontics, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College, Chennai.

Email ID: sujinivarun@gmail.com

Submission Date: 20.04.2023

Accepted Date: 23.04.2023

Published Date: 30.06.2023

DOI: 10.65188/nurexus.1001

article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits

unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited.

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence and treatment of three dental conditions, periodontitis,

tooth decay, and misaligned teeth, within a particular population group.

Materials and methods: This study included 99 individuals who voluntarily agreed to participate. Each participant

received a thorough dental checkup, which evaluated the frequency of dental issues and aids in their management.

SPSS software was used to perform statistical calculations for data analysis.

Results: This study included 99 participants (56 males and 43 females) diagnosed with periodontitis, dental caries,

and malocclusion. In terms of malocclusion, Angle class II was the most common (23 individuals), while classes I

and III were found in 4 and 3 individuals, respectively. Treatment strategies varied according to severity: mild

periodontitis patients were instructed to use saline rinses 3-5 times daily for 3 days, moderate cases underwent

scaling and root planning, and severe cases required flap surgery. For class II malocclusion, interventions included

activators (11 individuals), twin-block appliances (seven individuals), and Jasper Jumper devices (five individuals).

Conclusion: The research findings indicated similar rates of occurrence for periodontal disease, tooth decay, and

misaligned teeth. Periodontitis is the severe variant. Periodontitis management requires flap surgery, while dental

caries is treated with root canal interventions and stainless-steel crowns. Myofunctional appliances, including

activators, twin-block appliances, and Jasper jumpers, have been used as therapeutic interventions for class II

malocclusion.

Keywords: periodontitis, dental caries, malocclusion

Introduction

Periodontitis is a significant inflammatory disorder affecting the supporting structures of teeth, primarily

caused by specific pathogenic microorganisms. This condition results in the progressive breakdown of the

periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, leading to the formation of periodontal pockets, gum recession, or

both [1]. This condition results from a sophisticated infectious mechanism that combines bacterial

colonization with the body's immune reaction, affected by external conditions, risk factors, and inherited

predispositions. Dental plaque plays a critical role as a biofilm and microbial community, showcasing

emergent properties that exceed those of its components [2]. These microbial aggregations are prevalent in

ecosystems and manifest as spatially organized biofilms on surfaces. Current research highlights that

ecological diversity within biofilms facilitates rapid genetic and phenotypic adaptations, offering

"biological insurance" to aid microbial communities in enduring adverse conditions imposed by pathogens

Sujini et al | DOI: 10.65188/nurexus.1001

Nurexus | Journal of MedVerse Research and Practice | Volume 1 | Issue – 1 | June 2023

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within a host [2].

Dental caries is another prevalent multifaceted disease influenced by dietary sugar consumption and

biofilm formation. It is characterized by cyclical phases of mineral depletion and replenishment in teeth,

affecting individuals across their lifespan. Dental caries compromises both primary and permanent

dentition, including tooth enamel and exposed root surfaces. The protective factors form the foundation for

assessing caries risk and determining appropriate interventions. Globally, tooth decay remains a

preventable disorder with significant economic implications, affecting the quality of life. The global

decline in cavity prevalence is attributed to the widespread adoption of fluoride-containing dentifrices [3].

Among oral health problems, malocclusion is the third most common issue, following tooth decay and

gum disease. This condition involves the improper alignment of teeth or incorrect positioning of the jaws

[4]. The World Health Organization [WHO] states that improperly aligned teeth and jaws have substantial

effects on oral health, functional performance, and appearance [5]. Studies have identified various

causative factors for malocclusion, encompassing genetic, environmental, and ethnic components. For

example, Class III malocclusions exhibit a strong genetic predisposition, while environmental factors,

such as non-nutritive sucking behaviours, can influence dental development [6].

This research aimed to investigate the occurrence and intensity of three widespread dental health problems

[gum disease, tooth decay, and misaligned teeth] and to evaluate the efficacy of their corresponding

treatment approaches within a specific demographic.

Material and methods

As part of the research initiative, a total of 99 volunteers participated in detailed dental assessments. The

primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, distribution, and severity of common

oral health problems among the participants and to recommend suitable preventive and therapeutic

interventions based on clinical findings. Each participant underwent a comprehensive oral examination

that included evaluation of the gingiva, periodontal status, dental caries, malocclusion, and overall oral

hygiene condition.

Following the completion of dental examinations, participants were systematically categorized

according to their identified dental conditions [such as gingival inflammation, periodontal pocket

formation, dental caries, malalignment, or other oral abnormalities]. This classification enabled a

structured analysis of the data and facilitated comparison among different oral health conditions.

All collected data were carefully recorded and entered into a digital database for further processing.

Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences [SPSS] software,

which allowed for descriptive and inferential statistical evaluation. Frequency distributions, percentage

analyses, and cross-tabulations were used to summarize findings, while chi-square tests were employed

to determine associations between demographic variables and oral health outcomes. The results obtained

provided valuable insights into the burden of oral diseases within the study population and highlighted

the need for targeted community-based oral health interventions.

The present study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of Meenakshi Ammal Dental

College, Chennai (Ref No: MADC/IEC/2021/74203). A detailed Participant Information Sheet was

provided to all participants, and written informed consent was obtained prior to their inclusion in the

study.

Sujini et al | DOI: 10.65188/nurexus.1001

Nurexus | Journal of MedVerse Research and Practice | Volume 1 | Issue – 1 | June 2023

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Results

Table 1. Prevalence of diseases.

Groups

Number of subjects

Periodontitis

Dental Caries

Malocclusion

Total

The study identified three distinct oral health issues among the participants: 33 individuals were

diagnosed with periodontitis, 33 exhibited dental caries, and the remaining 33 displayed malocclusion.

Table 2: Gender-wise distribution of subjects.

Gender

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

Males

Females

Total

The study involved three separate cohorts, each with 33 individuals. Although the ratio of men to

women varied across cohorts, each maintained a consistent total of 33 participants.

Table 3: Severity of periodontitis

Severity of periodontitis

Number of subjects

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Total

Table 4: Types of periodontitis

Type

Number of subjects

Angle class I

Angle class II

Angle class III

Total

Table 5: Treatment of diseases.

Disease

Treatment

Severe periodontitis

Flap surgery

Dental caries

RCT followed by crown placement

Class II malocclusion

Myofunctional therapy

A study examining periodontitis and related conditions was performed on 33 participants to evaluate the

prevalence, classification, and therapeutic approaches. The results indicated diverse levels of disease

intensity: 6 subjects exhibited mild periodontitis, 11 displayed moderate periodontitis, and 16 were

found to have severe periodontitis. Treatment strategies were tailored to individual diagnoses. For

instance, patients with severe periodontitis underwent flap surgery, those with dental caries received

root canal therapy (RCT) followed by crown placement, and individuals with Class II malocclusion

Sujini et al | DOI: 10.65188/nurexus.1001

Nurexus | Journal of MedVerse Research and Practice | Volume 1 | Issue – 1 | June 2023

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were managed using therapy. (Table 3,4,5)

For individuals diagnosed with moderate periodontitis, the recommended treatment involves scaling

and root planning procedures. Severe cases of periodontitis were prescribed flap surgery as the

appropriate intervention.

Discussion

The findings of this study are consistent with global patterns in oral health, emphasizing the high

prevalence of periodontitis, dental caries, and malocclusion. Periodontitis continues to be a major public

health issue, with severe forms being the most frequent among the study participants. This observation

corresponds with the results of earlier research, including the National Oral Health Survey of India, as

reported by Bali et al. and the Dental Council of India et al., which documented a significant burden of

periodontal disease across different age groups and geographical regions.

Dental caries, which affects a substantial proportion of the global population, remains one of the most

widespread oral diseases. The elevated prevalence detected in this study highlights the urgent need for

effective preventive strategies. These include the use of fluoride-containing products, reduction of

dietary sugar intake, and large-scale public health initiatives to promote proper oral hygiene practices.

The present findings are in agreement with studies conducted in Saudi Arabia and other regions, as

reported by Al Agili et al., Petersen et al., and Hobdell et al., where dental caries continues to be a major

concern, particularly among children and adolescents.

Malocclusion ranks as the third most common oral health disorder, with its prevalence varying

considerably depending on ethnicity, age, and environmental influences. In this study, Angle Class II

malocclusion was found to be the most predominant type, which is consistent with international

observations. This finding emphasizes the need for specialized orthodontic interventions tailored to

population-specific characteristics. Several studies have demonstrated that both genetic predispositions

and environmental factors play a crucial role in the aetiology of malocclusion, as described by Heimer et

al. and Lew et al.

Treatment approaches in this study were planned based on the severity of each condition. Mild cases of

periodontitis were managed using saline mouth rinses and reinforcement of oral hygiene practices, while

advanced cases required scaling, root planing, and surgical flap procedures. These approaches are in line

with standard periodontal therapy protocols aimed at controlling infection and restoring gingival health.

Dental caries management involved conservative restorative procedures, including root canal therapy

and crown placement, reflecting evidence-based practices for preserving tooth structure and preventing

disease progression. In patients with malocclusion, myofunctional appliances such as activators, twin-

block appliances, and Jasper jumpers were effectively utilized, particularly for the correction of Class II

discrepancies. These outcomes are comparable to those reported by Garbin et al., supporting the

effectiveness of age-specific and individualized orthodontic interventions.

Overall, this study highlights the importance of a comprehensive oral health approach that integrates

prevention, early diagnosis, and appropriate management of common dental conditions. Future research

should focus on long-term follow-up studies to assess the sustained outcomes of various treatment

modalities and to explore innovative strategies for improving oral health across diverse populations and

age groups.

Sujini et al | DOI: 10.65188/nurexus.1001

Nurexus | Journal of MedVerse Research and Practice | Volume 1 | Issue – 1 | June 2023

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Conclusion

The research revealed comparable occurrences of periodontitis, dental caries, and malocclusion. Among

these, severe periodontitis was the most prevalent, while angle class II was the primary form of

malocclusion observed. Treatment for periodontitis involved flap surgery, whereas dental caries were

addressed through root canal procedures and the application of stainless-steel crowns. For class II

malocclusion, devices such as activators, twin-block appliances, and jasper jumpers were employed.

Conflict of Interest: NIL

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