Periodontal health of Singapore school children over two decades from 1970 to 1994.

Abstract

Dental health surveys of school children in Singapore from the past two decades were reviewed to document changes in prevalence and severity of periodontal disease. In 1970, 1979, 1984, 1989 and 1994 a sample of 12,801, 10,232, 4,203, 4,733 and 5,005 school children aged 6-18 years respectively, were examined in schools by the Dental Division, Ministry of Health. Parameters examined were oral hygiene, calculus, gingival inflammation/bleeding and periodontal pockets. Oral hygiene was assessed by the Oral Hygiene Index of Greene and Vermillion. Periodontal condition was assessed by observation of presence or absence of gingival inflammation and periodontal pockets in the early surveys, and the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs in 1989 and 1994. Findings demonstrated oral hygiene among children in Singapore was good. The mean Debris Scores for 6-11 year old were 0.74, 0.78 and 0.72 respectively in 1979, 1984 and 1989 while those of 12-18 year old were 0.43, 0.80 and 0.56 respectively for the corresponding years. Proportions of younger children with no periodontal disease were 32.2%, 60.0%, 59.0%, 31.0% and 34.4% in 1970, 1979, 1984, 1989 and 1994 respectively. For children aged twelve and above, proportions with no periodontal disease were 24.5%, 55.8%, 29%, 12% and 30% respectively in 1970, 1979, 1984, 1989 and 1994. Prevalence of gingivitis remained relatively high. However, a decrease in gingivitis from 1970 to 1979 in both age groups was noted. The period from 1984 to 1994, trends were dealt with cautiously due to changes in indices used. Severity of periodontal disease declined in terms of reduced mean number of diseased units/sextants and decrease in prevalence of periodontal pockets. Comparison of survey data for 1970, 1979, 1984, 1989 and 1994 shows improvement in periodontal health among children in Singapore over the past 2 decades. There is a continuing need for greater effort to promote better oral hygiene practices in view that only one third of children in 1994 had no periodontal disease.