The prevalence of periodontal diseases iin urban Israeli youth (14-18 years of age).

The purpose of the present study was to obtain current information regarding periodontal diseases. The study was conducted in Israel among ninth to twelth grade students, 14 to 18 years of age, residing in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Ramat Gan. A total of 725 school children were examined. During the examination only periodontal status was checked. Periodontal status was recorded according to Russell's Periodontal Index (PI). The mean PI found was 0.52. The results indicate an increase in the mean PI with age. Significant difference was found in the mean PI values between girls and boys. Girls constantly scored lower mean PI values than boys. No significant differences were found in the mean PI scores when studied according to country of origin.