Prevalence of periodontal disease among the Dental patients visiting zewditu memorial Hospital, dental wing, addis ababa, ethiopia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Periodontal diseases are diseases that involve the periodontal structures beyond the gingival and lead to loss of connective tissue attachment such as Gingiva, Cementum, Periodontal ligament and Alveolar bone. Periodontal diseases are among the widest spread diseases in mankind. The oral cavity is not a sterile cavity; there are more than 500 bacterial species that are capable of colonizing in the oral cavity. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess prevalence of periodontal disease among dental patients visiting Zewidetu Memorial hospital, dental wing in the year 2013, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia METHODS and MATERIALS: A cross sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of periodontal disease among patients visiting Zewidetu Memorial hospital, dental wing. Simple random sampling technique was used to determine the sample size. Data was collected using structured questionnaire and oral examination was done by qualified dental intern using mirror, explorer, and periodontal probe. RESULTS: Conclusion: The oral hygiene status in this study population was very poor. The majority had plaque, calculus, gingival bleeding and periodontal disease. Risk factors for PD includes age >35 years, low level of education, plaque and calculus deposition and smoking. Gingival recession was associated with age calculus and gingival inflammation. None of the patients with the age group 12 – 19 exhibits any periodontal disease. RECOMMENDATION: Oral health education should be given to all people to prevent periodontal disease. Patients should keep their oral hygiene and give attention for their present oral health