Periodontal disease detection in primary and mixed dentitions.

AIM: This was to compare the periodontal status of children with primary and mixed dentition at the time of their first consultation.

METHODS: Children (200), aged 0-12 years (156 with mixed and 44 with primary dentition), were examined by assessing their simplified plaque index (PI) and simplified periodontal record (PSR). Statistical analysis (Chi-square test) was performed with appropriate software to find any significant associations between sex, type of dentition and PI with the PSR codes (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4).

RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference with regard to gender (p = 0.82). Generalised PI was associated more significantly with mixed dentition (p = 0.025 and higher PSR scores (p < 0.001). There was no significant relationship between sex and PSR codes (p = 0.82).

CONCLUSION: Children presenting with a mixed dentition had worse PI values and PSR scores. It is important to perform periodontal examination in children to diagnose and prevent future periodontal disease and maintain their dentition as well as to identify any associated systemic conditions.