Has the prevalence of periodontitis changed during the last 30 years?
OBJECTIVE
This paper reviews global trends in the change in prevalence of periodontitis over the last 30 years.


METHODS
The epidemiology of periodontal disease is briefly reviewed together with the current classification system and the clinical and radiographic diagnostic methodology in periodontal disease.


RESULTS
This review identifies the very limited number of studies that provide prevalence data over time, and this data is discussed in comparison with those stemming from a few corresponding studies from countries outside Europe.


CONCLUSIONS
The data indicate a possible trend of a lower prevalence of periodontitis in recent years.
Hugoson
Anders
A
School of Health Science, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden. Anders.Hugoson@hhj.hj.se
Norderyd
Ola
O
D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000453:epidemiology; D055113:Chronic Periodontitis / Q000453:epidemiology; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000453:epidemiology; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D017622:Periodontal Attachment Loss / Q000453:epidemiology; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence