Differences between the types of testing used to detect periodontal diseases in the United States may have caused an under-reporting of the diseases' prevalence by as much as 50% of actual figures. Partial-mouth periodontal examinations have been used to establish previous estimates. A new study funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), however, shifted testing methods to a full-mouth comprehensive periodontal examination, to determine prevalence rates.
An epidemiologist at the CDC says the inaccuracy created by previous testing has "signifcant" implications for public health. In light of these findings, understanding the relationships between periodontal disease and other systemic diseases in the adult US population is more crucial than ever.
This new study demonstrates that the scope of periodontal diseases is significantly larger than what had been previously reported. Citing the relationship between periodontal diseases and systemic health, the prevalence of periodontal disease among Americans carries great implications for overall health of individuals, and is therefore a significant public health problem. An annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation should be a part of the preventive measures used to maintain oral health.
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