PERIODONTAL CONDITIONS IN A GROUP OF SWEDISH ADOLESCENTS .2. ANALYSIS OF DATA

Abstract Periodontal conditions in adolescents from the north of Sweden have been described in an earlier study. 2 groups were distinguished, one with proximal and the other with buccal/lingual probing attachment loss (AL). The present study analysed the relationship between AL and various background variables: plaque, bleeding, calculus, pocket depth, toothbrushing, experience of fixed orthodontic appliance, general disease, socio‐economic level. No significant differences between the total group with AL and that without AL were seen concerning general disease, socio‐economic level, experience of orthodontic treatment, or presence of bleeding, plaque or calculus. When groups with AL on proximal surfaces and on buccal/lingual surfaces were analysed separately, it was found that the group with proximal AL more often had plaque, bleeding, calculus and pocket depths /4 mm than the group with absence of AL and the group with buccal/lingual AL. In the latter group, toothbrushing was more frequent. The differences seen between the group with proximal AL and that with buccal/lingual AL may indicate different etiologies of loss of tooth support in these ages. Copyright © 1990, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved