Message Boards
Today's Active Topics Today's Active Cases Browse Forum Categories My Recent Activity My Messages Private Groups My Marked Threads My Subscriptions
Today's Active Images Today's Active Polls Most Active Topics Global Townie Map Advanced Message Board Search Message Board Terms of Use

CDC Estimate: High Periodontal Disease Prevalence Found Among Southern U.S. States

View Comments (2)
Highest Incidence Found in New Mexico, Hawaii: New Data Emphasizes Need for Oral Health Literacy, Access to Care in Largely Affected Regions
Posted: February 9, 2016
Edited by Dentaltown staff

CHICAGO—In a recent study published by the Journal of Dental Research, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that at 52.79 percent and 51.10 percent respectively, New Mexico and Hawaii have the United States’ highest prevalence of periodontal disease. 

The study, entitled “Predicting Periodontitis at State and Local Levels in the United States,” also indicates high prevalence among southeastern and southwestern states, including areas along the Mississippi Delta, the U.S.-Mexico border, and among Native American reservations. 

The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of periodontitis at state and local levels across the United States by using a novel, small-area estimation method. Extended multilevel analyses were applied among adults aged 30-79 at state, county, district, and census tract levels.  

Other areas with an estimated high prevalence were southern Florida and remote areas of western Alaska. Overall, similar geographic patterns were determined for severe periodontitis as well. The states with the lowest prevalence include Utah (37.69 percent) and New Hampshire (40.51 percent).  

Additional key statistical findings noted in the study include:
• The prevalence of periodontitis among the states ranged from 37.7 percent in Utah to 52.7 percent in New Mexico, representing an estimated 15 percent disparity in prevalence among states.
o Severe periodontitis ranged from 6.4 percent in New Hampshire to 11.3 percent in Louisiana among the states. 
• County estimates ranged from 33.7 percent to 68 percent, representing a much larger disparity of 34 percent in prevalence among counties. 
o Severe periodontitis ranged from 5.2 percent to 17.9 percent among counties.
• National estimates had a mean and median state prevalence of 45.1 percent and 44.9 percent, respectively, and 46.6 percent and 45.9 percent, respectively, for counties.
o These summary measures compare with the estimated national prevalence of periodontitis among U.S. adults of 44.8 percent from NHANES 2009-2012. 
o Similarly, summary measures for severe periodontitis at state and county levels compared with the estimated national prevalence of severe periodontitis.

The areas estimated to have the greatest concentration of periodontitis directly correlate with regions that also see high incidence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, systemic conditions often associated with periodontitis. Moreover, the latest findings are in line with early CDC reports that periodontitis disproportionately affects ethnic minorities, tobacco users, those of lower socio-economic status, and those in areas with sparse access to dental care. 

“This is the first study to model the distribution of adult periodontitis in states and local areas in the United States,” says Dr. Paul Eke, CDC epidemiologist and lead author of the study. “We found the estimated geographic distribution of adult periodontitis to be highest among southeastern and southwestern states, with concentrated pockets along the southeast, in the Mississippi Delta, along the U.S.-Mexico border, and among Native American reservations. Given how closely associated the risk for periodontitis is with other chronic conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, the prevention and treatment of periodontitis represents an opportunity for dental and medical professionals to work together to improve the public’s health.”

The figures are the latest reported by the CDC to determine the burden on periodontitis on the U.S. adult population. The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and the CDC, which have collaborated since 2003 to determine periodontitis prevalence, have found that nearly half of all U.S. adults age 30 and above have some form of periodontal disease. 

“Periodontal disease continues to be a major health concern for people of all backgrounds,” said Dr. Wayne Aldredge, president of the AAP. “The AAP is committed to increasing public awareness of periodontal health and will continue to work with allied dental organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies to reduce incidence of periodontitis in the U.S. adult population.”

The AAP recommends regular flossing, brushing twice a day, and undergoing yearly comprehensive periodontal evaluations for the prevention of periodontal disease, which is treatable and often reversible with proper and timely care from a periodontist. “Individuals who suspect they may have gum disease should schedule an appointment with a general dentist in their area,” continued Dr. Aldredge. “General dentists can provide a referral to a nearby periodontist if disease is present.”

The complete “Predicting Periodontitis at State and Local Levels in the United States” study can be accessed by visiting http://jdr.sagepub.com/.

 For more information about periodontal disease, visit perio.org.
 
View Comments (2)
Dentaltown Magazine
April 2024
Dentaltown Magazine April 2024 Read Current Issue Read Archived Issues
Sponsors
Townie Perks
Townie® Poll
Have you ever switched practice management platforms for your practice?
  
Site Menu
Message Boards Magazine Continuing Education Podcasts Blogs Classifieds News Events Townie® Poll Ebooks Townie Choice Awards
Company Info
Contact Us Advertise With Us Howard Farran DDS, MBA Policies and Agreements
Site Help
Sally Gross, Member Services Specialist
Phone: +1-480-445-9710
Email: sally@farranmedia.com
©2024 Dentaltown, a division of Farran Media • All Rights Reserved
9633 S. 48th Street Suite 200 • Phoenix, AZ 85044 • Phone:+1-480-598-0001 • Fax:+1-480-598-3450