An epidemiological study in General Dental Practice to better understand the links between periodontal disease and other common oral conditions

  • Imogen Midwood

Student thesis: Master's ThesisMaster of Science by Research (MScR)

Abstract

This observational, cross-sectional multicentre study set out to determine the prevalence of periodontal disease, gingival bleeding and gingival recession and their association with tooth wear and dentine hypersensitivity (DH) in National Health Service (NHS) General Dental Practices’ (GDPs) across the South West of England. Data was also collected regarding potential underlying risk factors. Healthy adult volunteers recruited from 28 NHS GDPs in the South West completed a questionnaire and underwent a clinical examination.
Out of the 814 participants recruited to the study, 75.6% exhibited bleeding on probing (BoP) and 28% had evidence of periodontitis. Recession was observed in 90% of participants, and was more common on buccal surfaces. Maximum PPD was strongly significantly correlated with the presence of BoP. For all tooth surfaces, greater probing depths were more common posteriorly in the mouth, scores improving progressively towards the incisors, BoP showed a similar pattern. Gingival recession was also correlated with tooth wear, and occurred most frequently on the buccal aspect of premolar teeth. The majority of participants brushed their teeth at least twice a day (74%) and had attended the dentist or hygienist at least once in the previous 12 months (87%). In general, the participants self-reported oral health correlated with clinical findings, which showed a self and health aware group of participants. The potentially causal risk factors of periodontal disease were identified as smoking and being male, obesity was also identified but the finding was less significant. The relatively low incidence of periodontitis, accompanied by good oral hygiene practices, and a strong self-awareness of oral health indicates that this was a well-cared for population. The study supports existing data that smoking, being male and less significantly obesity are risk factors for periodontal disease, all of which require further studies.
Date of Award23 Jan 2019
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • University of Bristol
SupervisorMaria Davies (Supervisor)

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