The prevalence and natural history of periodontal disease in Britain from prehistoric to modern times.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the prevalence of periodontitis in British populations during the past 3000 years. To discuss the relevance of these findings to modern populations denied access to modern dental treatment.


METHODS
Observation and assessment of periodontal status of skeletal material using a recently developed method of assessment.


METHODS
Archaeological material from various collections throughout UK covering prehistoric, mediaeval and seventeenth to nineteenth century.


METHODS
504 individuals.


METHODS
The periodontal status of individual septa was recorded as to whether they were healthy, had gingivitis or periodontitis. The prevalence of periodontitis among individuals and populations was assessed.


RESULTS
The prevalence of periodontitis appears to have remained virtually constant during the past 3000 years in Britain, despite considerable changes in the oral environment.


CONCLUSIONS
The significance of these findings in respect of untreated populations in underdeveloped countries today is considerable. It is considered essential that clinical and field studies record and report on oral environmental factors that may mimic or, by themselves, be responsible for periodontal attachment loss.
Kerr
N W
NW
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marischal College, University of Aberdeen.
D018450:Disease Progression; D049668:History, 15th Century; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D010161:Paleodontology; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000266:history*; D015995:Prevalence; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology