Prevalence of self-reported severe periodontitis: Data from the population-based CONSTANCES cohort

AIM

To assess the prevalence of severe periodontitis based on the population-based CONSTANCES cohort using a validated self-reported questionnaire.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Individuals were selected from the adult population in France using a random sampling scheme. Analyses were restricted to those invited in 2013-2014 who completed the periodontal health questionnaire at the 2017 follow-up. The risk of severe periodontitis was assessed using the periodontal screening score (PESS) and weighting coefficients were applied to provide representative results in the general French population.

RESULTS

The study included 19,859 participants (9204 men, mean age: 52.8 ± 12.6 years). Based on a PESS ≥ 5, 7106 participants were at risk of severe periodontitis, corresponding to a weighted prevalence of 31.6% (95% confidence interval: 30.6%-32.7%). This prevalence was higher among participants aged 55 and over, those with lower socio-economic status as well as current smokers, e-cigarette users and heavy drinkers. Among individuals at risk of severe periodontitis, only 18.8% (17.3%-20.4%) thought they had gum disease, although 50.5% (48.6%-52.5%) reported that their last dental visit was less than 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The present survey indicates that (1) self-reported severe periodontitis is highly prevalent with marked disparities between groups in the general French adult population, and (2) periodontitis could frequently be under-diagnosed given the low awareness.