Evaluation of Periodontal Health of Adolescents in Three Schools in the Biyem-Assi Health District, Youndé-Cameroon
Abstract:
Introduction: The periodontium is a major anatomical structure of the child's oral cavity. During growth and dental eruption, it undergoes many physiological changes. The assessment of periodontal health in adolescents is crucial to prevent periodontal diseases at an early age. It is important to know the normality of this periodontium in order to detect alterations. Periodontal diseases are chronic inflammatory diseases of bacterial etiology that affect the soft and hard tissues supporting the teeth. Different factors can modify the periodontium. In our context, few studies have been done on the issue in recent years despite the relatively large number of adolescents consulting daily for an oral health problem.
Objectives: To assess the periodontal health of adolescents in three schools in the Biyem-Assi Health District in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study for four months from February to May 2023 at the Mendong Bilingual High School, Mario College and Biyem-Assi Bilingual Primary School in Yaoundé. The data were analyzed using R Project for statistical computing version 4.2.3 a 95% confidence interval was retained, the main descriptive analysis involved was the calculation of the frequency and the p value.
Results: Out of 159 adolescents, the female sex was in the majority 64.1%. The most represented age group was 14 - 16 years or 44%. 95% of the participants ate between meals and consumed cariogenic sugary foods (biscuits and chocolate) at more than 80%, only 2.5% consumed cheese. 62.2% brushed twice a day; only 59.1% brushed after meals. 35% had an average OHI-S. 15.7%) of students had mild gingival inflammation the 159 participants had Mühlemann physiological mobility. Periodontal pockets were in category 1 with pockets less than 3 mm. We did not note any association between the Oral Hygiene Index Simplified Score and BMI of students, nor with the frequency of brushing with p>0.05 nor with the tools used by students for brushing teeth. A significant association was noted between gingival status and smoking of students P= 0.049.
Conclusion: The periodontal health of adolescents in the Biyem-Assi Health District was relatively good despite interprandial eating habits. There was no association between brushing frequency and periodontal pathology. Smoking had a significant influence on oral hygiene unlike alcohol.
