Periodontal status of adult subjects in relation to other local factors in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia

Background: Information about the distribution patterns of per iodontal disease and the possible existence of high-risk groups among adult population in Jazan re gion is scarce. Aims: This study was designed to explore the periodontal status and the effects of socio-dem ographic characteristics and habits among adult pop ulation living in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia (SA). Materials and methods: This work was a cross-sectional study conducted among 204 individuals. This population wa s composed of 172 males and 32 females with a mean age of 43.9 years. Structured questionnaire, which incl uded general health status and possible risk factor s for periodontal disease, was used for sampling. Clinica l periodontal examination was carried out using the scheme used by the National Institute of Dental and Cranio facial Research. Data was analyzed using Statistica l Package for Social Sciences software version 20. Results: Approximately 46.1% of population presented moderat e pocket depths. The clinical attachment loss of ≤4 mm was 57.8%, and the fair oral hygiene was 40.2% . The effects of khat chewing, shammah dipping, and smoki ng on moderate pocketing were 50%, 47.7%, and 41.9% , respectively. The attachment losses of ≤4 mm were high in khat chewers, shammah dippers, an d smokers at 63.1%, 68.8%, and 50.1%, respectively. The average poor oral hygiene among groups was high at 53.3%. Severe pocket depth and poor oral hygiene were sign ifica tly high among old age groups at 22.2% and 66 .7%, respectively. Females showed significantly ( p=0.05) higher mild gingivitis and better oral hygie ne of 65.7% and 68.8%, respectively, compared with those of males. Conclusion: The prevalence of periodontal disease is high due to associated risk factors, including khat chew ing, smoking, and poor oral hygiene. The elderly ag e group showed high levels of periodontal pocketing, attach ment loss, and poor oral hygiene. Females also pres ent d better oral hygiene and periodontal health than tho se of males.