Comparative periodontal status of caries resistant versus susceptible adults.

The periodontal status of a group of caries resistant and caries susceptible adult subjects was compared. Assessment was made of plaque accumulation, gingival inflammation and degree of periodontal destruction. When considered as a whole, there were no significant differences between the two groups. The female caries resistant subjects, however, exhibited a significantly lower gingival index, a lower level of periodontal destruction (borderline significance) but no difference in plaque index. The reason for the sex differences is not apparent. This study fails to support the view of an inverse relation between caries and periodontal disease.