[Periodontal status among the population of Geneva, Vaud and Neuchâtel].

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the periodontal status among the population of Geneva, Vaud and Neuchâtel. A representative sample of the population was selected on the basis of age, sex and location. The rate of participation was 51%. In total, 268 subjects were examined; this corresponds to 1:4000 inhabitants. The results showed that a majority of the subjects presented signs of inflamed gingiva. Moderate periodontitis affected a large proportion of the population, whereas severe periodontitis affected only a small percentage of subjects. We observed that the severity of periodontal destruction increased with age and there was no difference between both sexes. The findings revealed that most of the periodontal treatment needs could be provided by general dentists. Complex treatment needs were limited in extent.