Destructive periodontal disease in adult Indians from Northeast Brazil: cross‐sectional study of prevalence and risk indicators

AIM: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the prevalence of destructive periodontal disease and its risk indicators in adult Kiriri Indians from Northeast Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Full-mouth periodontal examinations were performed on a sample of 215 Indians (≥19 years). Bivariate analyses and logistic models were applied to assess associations between periodontitis and its putative risk factors. RESULTS: Prevalence of clinical attachment loss of ≥3, ≥5 and ≥7 mm was 97.8%, 63.8% and 30.8% respectively. Percentage of teeth per individual showing clinical attachment loss of ≥3, ≥5 and ≥7 mm was 49.8%, 18.4% and 8.0% respectively. After adjustment for covariates, individuals aged ≥35 years (OR = 5.83, 95% CI: 3.09-11.00; p < 0.001), men (OR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.15-4.11; p = 0.02) and diabetics (OR = 3.92, 95% CI 1.03-14.99; p = 0.05) had a higher risk for destructive periodontitis, classified according to the CDC/AAP case definition. CONCLUSION: Though periodontitis was highly prevalent in Kiriri Indians, only few teeth showed advanced disease, and periodontitis was associated with higher age, male sex and diabetes. A public health action that includes programs of prevention and treatment targeting high-risk groups is vital to improve the periodontal status of this population.