Abstract
Introduction
Clinical attachment loss (CAL) has been indicated as a determining parameter for the study of risk indicators of chronic periodontitis.
Objective
To describe the prevalence, severity and extent of CAL in a population group that abstains from alcohol and tobacco use and to evaluate associations with sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of participants.
Method
A sample of 420 adult individuals, participants of the Advento Study (São Paulo) were submitted to a periodontal examination of six sites per tooth and answered a structured questionnaire. Associations were verified by multiple logistic regression analysis.
Result
Prevalence of periodontitis was 20.7% and gingivitis 38.8%; mean CAL was 1.38mm (±0.5) and dental loss 5.4 (±9.0). Prevalence of CAL ≥3 mm, ≥4 mm and ≥6 mm was 69.7%, 31.7% and 9.6% of the individuals, affecting 11.4%, 4.4% and 1.2% of the teeth per individual, respectively. After adjustments, there was a significant association of CAL ≥4 mm with males, over 55 years of age, low education, visible plaque, irregular self-care, lack of oral hygiene guidance and reported systemic disease. For CAL ≥6 mm, there was a higher odds ratio for the variables age group and systemic disease.
Conclusion
The population group studied presented low extension and severity of CAL, possibly due to the sample characteristics. The risk associations found confirm the need for comprehensive patient care, including encouraging prevention and control of chronic diseases, along with specific oral hygiene guidelines.
Descriptors:
Periodontitis; clinical attachment loss; epidemiology; risk factors