Periodontal Status of Active Age Population in the Republic of Bulgaria

Abstract

Periodontal health is an important component of oral health. Numerous studies prove the progressing nature of periodontal diseases and their dependence on a number of demographic and socio-economic factors. The purpose of the study is to examine the periodontal status of the active age population in the Republic of Bulgaria and to define its dependence on social and demographic factors. To accomplish the study goals epidemiological and survey cards were developed and approbated and epidemiological study was conducted, including clinical dental examination and anonymous survey among 416 Bulgarian citizens aged 18 to 65 years. The results were statistically analyzed to establish the dependencies between the periodontal status and socio-demographic factors. Only 69 (16.59%) of the study subjects have no periodontal problems (CPI = 0) in all sextants, while all other patients have different degrees of periodontal disease. One can witness an increase of the periodontal disease incidence, proportional to the age of the patients, as well as its decrease with increasing the frequency of dental visits on behalf of the patients and their oral health self-assessment. Healthy periodontal tissues prevail in young patients and urban population. Gingival inflammation and calculus are prevalent among middle-aged people, rural population as well as in individuals of lower educational level. Periodontal pockets of varying depths are being registered mostly among the older people and the subjects with low and average income. Higher severity of the periodontal pathology is observed in individuals of lower educational levels and lower income. These facts verify the conclusion about an inadequate state commitment as regards the dental health problems of the population, while bearing in mind that the treatment of periodontal conditions is not reimbursed by NHIF.