The assessment of periodontal health in children age 12 to 15

Introduction. Periodontal diseases and primarily gingivitis occur relatively early in the childhood. It was found that 8.8% of children 3-6 years old had gingivitis and that number increased with age. Gingivitis is especially common during puberty and mixed dentition. The aim was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of gingival and periodontal diseases in children age twelve and fifteen in Republika Srpska. Material and Methods. The study included 506 students of both genders from six schools on the territory of the municipalities Foca, Cajnice and Kalinovik. For the evaluation of oral hygiene and periodontal status, indices suitable for research in pediatric population were used: Greene-Vermillion Debris Index (DI), Greene’s Calculus Index (CI), Oral Hygiene Index (OHI) and Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN). The evaluation was carried out in accordance with the criteria for the diagnosis and non- communicable diseases, established in 1997 in Geneva. Results. The average DI value for all children was 0.86, the average CI 0.13, and OHI was 0.99. Healthy periodontium had 14.6% of respondents, while deep periodontal pockets of 4-5mm were found in 8.7% of fifteen-year-old children. Conclusion. A significant prevalence of gingivitis was found among examined children. It is necessary to highlight the importance of primary prevention measures, health education, proper training and regular oral hygiene, as well as regular check-ups in order to achieve better periodontal health in children.