Search

The general acceptance and use of the CPITN system worldwide has provided, in a very short time, a vast amount of data on periodontal diseases. This data has been entered into the WHO Global Oral Data Bank, from which, after analysis, much valuable information has been derived. Overall the CPITN system is seen as having more than fulfilled the initial hopes invested in it. It has provided a simple yet effective method for measuring and monitoring the magnitude, prevalence and severity of periodontal diseases throughout the world, as well as helping in our understanding of the disease process.

Results of more than 100 CPITN surveys from over 60 countries for the age group 15-19 years, stored in the WHO Global Oral Data Bank as of 1 August 1990, are assembled. They are presented in the form of graphs showing the mean number of sextants affected per person and arranged by country according to WHO regions. It is hoped that these overviews provide a frame of reference for the evaluation of periodontal conditions in populations and population subgroups. The most frequently observed condition in adolescents was score 2 (calculus with or without bleeding). Calculus seems to be much more prevalent in non-industrialized than in industrialized countries. Although some shallow pocketing of 4 or 5 mm was present in two-thirds of all populations observed, it affected mostly only a minority of the sample and then only in one or two sextants. However, a few surveys showed a relatively high prevalence of pocketing. As the surveys were carried out in adolescents, such high figures indicate serious problems ahead.

Results of almost 100 CPITN surveys in more than 50 countries for the age group 35-44 years, stored in the WHO Global Oral Data Bank as of 1 August 1990, are assembled. They are presented in the form of graphs showing the percentages of persons according to the highest score per person and arranged by country according to WHO regions. It is hoped that these overviews provide a frame of reference for the evaluation of periodontal conditions in populations and population subgroups. Calculus and shallow pocketing were the most frequently observed conditions. With a few exceptions, the percentages of persons and the mean number of sextants per person with deep pockets were small to very small. The assumed differences between industrialized and non-industrialized countries with regard to periodontal health were not reflected in the survey data examined. Severe periodontal destruction seems to be a limited problem, seldom leading to tooth loss before the age of 50. For the large majority in most of the populations observed, the progress of periodontal diseases seems to be compatible with the retention of a natural dentition into older age. Nevertheless, the periodontal problem is of considerable magnitude and importance, as 5-20 per cent of populations are affected by a serious, irreversible condition at the age of 40, which is a high percentage compared with almost every other disease that afflicts mankind.