title: Prevalence of periodontitis in an adult population from an urban area in North Italy: findings from a cross-sectional population-based epidemiological survey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is a paucity of up-to-date data regarding prevalence and risk indicators of periodontitis in Italy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of periodontitis and its risk indicators among adults from an urban area in North Italy.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional survey used a stratified two-stage probability sampling method to draw a representative sample of the adult population of the city of Turin. About 1600 individuals, 20-75 years old, were randomly selected and 736 subjects agreed to participate (47% of the sampled subjects). Clinical parameters were assessed using a full-mouth protocol. Logistic models were applied to assess associations between periodontitis and its putative risk indicators. Age was included as restricted cubic spline.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Based on CDC/AAP case definition, the prevalence estimates of severe and moderate periodontitis were 34.94% (95% CI: 31.23-38.74) and 40.78% (95% CI: 36.89-44.79). The probability of periodontitis increased in smokers (adjusted OR 2.06, 95% IC: 1.26-3.37, p = 0.004) and with age but leveled off in the 50+ year-old group (p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Periodontitis was highly prevalent in the Turin population. The present data will enable development of appropriate public health programs and allocation of resources.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Sciences, C.I.R. Dental School, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aimetti
authors.affiliation: Private Practice, Turin, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Perotto
authors.affiliation: Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza - Turin and CPO Piedmont, Turin, Italy.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Castiglione
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Sciences, C.I.R. Dental School, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
authors.forename: Giulia M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Mariani
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Sciences, C.I.R. Dental School, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ferrarotti
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Sciences, C.I.R. Dental School, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
authors.forename: Federica
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Romano
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D005260:Female; D017823:Furcation Defects / Q000453:epidemiology; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017622:Periodontal Attachment Loss / Q000453:epidemiology; D010512:Periodontal Index; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000453:epidemiology; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D014086:Tooth Mobility / Q000453:epidemiology; D014504:Urban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: cross-sectional study; periodontal disease; prevalence; risk factors