Periodontal conditions in adolescents, 15-19 years of age: an overview of CPITN data in the WHO Global Oral Data Bank.

Results of 61 CPITN surveys in 39 countries for the age group 15-19 yr, stored in the WHO Global Oral Data Bank as of 1 July 1987, are assembled in an overview showing percentages of persons according to the highest score for each person and the mean numbers of sextants affected per person. The most frequently observed condition was score 2 (calculus with or without bleeding), although some shallow pocketing of 4 or 5 mm was present in most populations surveyed. It should thus be emphasized that the major thrust of activities in periodontal care should be in health promotion and education, leading to improved oral hygiene.