Awareness of periodontal disease in a group of northern Canadian children.
Periodontal disease destroys the supporting structures of the teeth. The clinical signs start early in childhood as inflammation of the gingival tissues; if uncontrolled, it becomes the major cause of loss of teeth in adult life. The purpose of this survey was to determine the understanding that a group of 10- to 15-year-olds living in the Inuvialuit, Gwich'in, and Sahtu Districts of the Northwest Territories have regarding the recognition and prevention of periodontal-gingival disease. A total of 953 students, with a median age of 12.5 years, completed the survey. The data, which included rural and urban centers as well as rural and remote regions, were analyzed using the chi-square method. Ethnic and gender differences are reported. Results indicate that girls have a better awareness of good oral health. Non-Native children have a somewhat better understanding regarding the recognition and prevention of periodontal disease. Both Native and non-Native groups share uncertainties with respect to the rationale and reasons behind the disease process. Educators of oral health prevention should incorporate into their programs preventive measures that take into consideration Native culture and traditions.
Schuller
P D
PD
University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Thompson
G W
GW
Taerum
T
T
D000293:Adolescent; D001110:Arctic Regions; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003625:Data Collection; D003753:Dental Health Surveys; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006267:Health Education, Dental / Q000379:methods; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires