Loss of periodontal attachment in adolescents.

Loss of attachment as measured by a portion of Ramfjord's Index (PDI) was determined in 383, 12-16-year-old schoolchildren in rural Juniata County, PA. Prevalence and distributions were tabulated for sex, last dental visit, and type of treatment received. Dental knowledge test scores, toothbrushing effectiveness periodontal status and oral cleanliness were determined at annual intervals from Spring '75 to Spring'79. Mean scores were contrasted with bone loss measurements. 47.3% had loss of attachment (greater than 1 mm) including 24.5% with 2mm or more of attachment loss per mouth. Females (41.0%) ahd significantly lower prevalence rates than males (52.7%). Students who visited a dentist in the last 6 months and who received scaling had less bone loss, lower GI, PII, PI, and QHI scores. An inverse relationship was found between dental knowledge and the other variables measured. Similar patterns were seen with high, medium and low bone loss groups. Many variables in this study were associated with bone loss, including: plaque, dental knowledge, dental behavior (toothbrushing and visiting a dental clinic), recent treatment received and sex. None appeared more significant than the others.