A prospective survey of gingivitis in Keneba, a rural West African community.
The prevalence and severity of gingivitis was studied in 204 children living in a rural West African community. Seasonal prevalence varied from 38.6% to 9.5%. The lowest prevalence coincided with the seasonal consumption of citrus fruits and mangoes. Prevalence increased with age. Of the children, 13.7% required treatment with a standard antibiotic regime for severe gingivitis. Severe gingivitis occurred frequently in children under three years of age and in females. There was no clear relationship between the prevalence of gingivitis and malnutrition as assessed by anthropometric indices obtained from the children. Findings in this study suggest that measures to improve oral hygiene is the intervention most likely to reduce the prevalence of gingivitis.
D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D005714:Gambia; D005892:Gingivitis, Necrotizing Ulcerative / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012423:Rural Health; D012621:Seasons