Prevalence of periodontal diseases in Zagreb population, Croatia, 14 years ago and today

The aim of this study was to assess prevalence of periodontal diseases within Zagreb adult population in 2000. The sample comprised of 412 examinees of both sexes and all age groups. World Health Organization (WHO) methodology and Community Periodontal Index (CPI), (1997) were used. The data gained was statistically assorted and compared with the data from previously conducted research in 1986. Results showed relatively high prevalence of periodontal diseases. No healthy periodontium was recorded in the 45-and-above age group. Shallow periodontal pockets was registered in 12% of nineteen-year-olds, whereas this symptom was very evident in 45-54 age group (45.7%) and in older than 65 (48.2%). Over 90% of participants had insufficient oral hygiene and 80% required initial periodontal therapy. Approximately 20% needed complex periodontal treatment. Comparison of this data with the previous 1986 research showed improvement of periodontal status in up-to-44 age group due to more healthy persons and more subjects with the initial stages of disease. The possible reason for periodontal health improvement in the last 14 years, evident specially in younger age groups, were the effects of large preventive program measures conducted on schoolchildren in Croatia in 1980-ties and terminated in 1990-ties when the war in Croatia started. Following studies are needed to monitor whether deterioration in oral health will occur regarding to absence of organized preventive programs since 1990-ties.