Progression of destructive periodontal diseases in three urban minority populations: role of clinical and demographic factors.
OBJECTIVE
Differences in prevalence, severity and risk factors for destructive periodontal diseases have been reported for ethnic/racial groups. However, it is not certain whether this disparity is due to ethnicity/race or factors associated with ethnicity/race. Therefore, the present study addressed whether the rates of disease progression and clinical and demographic factors associated with disease progression varied among three ethnic/racial groups.


METHODS
The study population consisted of 53 Asian-, 69 African- and 62 Hispanic-Americans. Clinical measurements included probing depth, attachment level, gingival erythema, bleeding upon probing, suppuration and plaque. Disease progression was defined as a > 2 mm loss of attachment 2 months post baseline. The demographic variables examined included occupational status, report of a private dentist, years resident in the United States and smoking history.


RESULTS
The rate of attachment loss for the entire population was 0.04 mm or 0.24 mm/year. No significant differences were found among the three ethnic/racial groups. Variables associated with subsequent attachment loss for the entire population were age, male gender, mean whole-mouth plaque, erythema, bleeding upon probing, suppuration, attachment loss and probing depth, and belonging to the "unskilled" occupational group. No differences in risk profiles were found among the 3 ethnic/racial groups. Using stepwise logistic regression analysis, a model was developed to relate the clinical and demographic variables examined with subsequent attachment loss. The model indicated that prior attachment loss, gingival erythema, suppuration, being a current smoker and belonging to the "unskilled" occupational group conferred high risk of > 1 site of attachment loss of > 2 mm.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that variables associated with ethnicity/race, such as occupational status, are largely responsible for the observed disparity in destructive periodontal disease progression in these populations.
Craig
Ronald G
RG
Department of Basic Science and Craniofacial Biology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, USA. rgc1@nyu.edu
Yip
Julie K
JK
Mijares
Dindo Q
DQ
LeGeros
Racquel Z
RZ
Socransky
Sigmund S
SS
Haffajee
Anne D
AD
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001213:Asian; D018450:Disease Progression; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005884:Gingival Hemorrhage / Q000503:physiopathology; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000503:physiopathology; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008913:Minority Groups; D009790:Occupations; D017622:Periodontal Attachment Loss / Q000503:physiopathology; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000503:physiopathology; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking; D014481:United States; D014504:Urban Health