Periodontal Disease and Health Condition in a Student Population

The study of periodontal disease (PD) it is related with oral hygiene and the presence of some chronic non-communicable diseases, as obesity, malnutrition, smoking, drug consumption and alcohol is also significant, because they are linked with the progress of these disease. Periodontal disease is also associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Objective: To determine the presence of periodontal disease and general health status in newly enrolled students to the Health Sciences Programs

Method: We conducted a survey of oral health and general health conditions; the study population consisted in 202 students (18-22 years old), 66 males and 137 females, using the criteria established for determining the community periodontal index (WHO) and a standardized questionnaire for general health self-perception and medical examination

Result: The results from oral examination revels a prevalence of periodontal disease of 12.87%, 57% of the population with inflammation, bleeding and calculos, visit the dentistry 62.8% during the past year and 30% in 2 o more years, 80% were using toothpaste, 19.3% carry out orthodontics treatment, according with the self-perception health status, polydipsia and increased urination affects 6.9%, headaches and dizziness 24%, obesity 0.07%. Other important information is that 28.7% are smoking active and 66.8% are alcohol consumers.

Conclusion: The presence of periodontal disease in young people is associated with poor hygiene, but there is general health markers related to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, alcohol and tobacco abuse, obesity and malnutrition, are related with PD, and with the acute and chronic stages of some of these diseases.