Prevalence of periodontal disease in rural population of Raigad district of Maharashtra: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Periodontal disease is a multi-factorial condition that has been predominantly seen in areas where dental health care facilities are limited. Rural areas in Maharashtra are currently deprived of adequate dental care facilities. Aim: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of periodontal disease in the rural population of Raigad district of Maharashtra state in India. Materials and Method: 400 subjects from Raigad district were randomly examined for prevalence of periodontal disease. Subjects were divided into following groups: 15-24 years, 25-44 years, 45-64 and 65-74 years. CPI score for the selected individuals were recorded and the data was analyzed. Results: It was observed that as the age increased, the CPI score also increased. While CPI score 2 (calculus) was most predominant in age groups 15-24 years, CPI score 3 (pathological pocket of 4-5 mm) was more common in the age groups 25-44 years &45-64 years. CPI score 4 (pathological pocket of >6 mm) was the highest in age groups 65-74 years. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of periodontitis in the selected population. The severity of periodontitis was seen to increase with increase in age.