Gingival oral health among schoolchildren in Italy

Objectives: Last decennia the oral health of schoolchildren is without doubt improved and in several countries much attention has been paid for it. In 2005 a National Pathfinder regarding oral health in Italian schoolchildren has been designed and carried out. The aim of the present study was to report the prevalence and severity of gingival problems in 12-years-old Italian children. Methods: A representative sample of 5347 (49.5% males and 50.5%
females) schoolchildren was randomly selected from the twelve-years-old Italian population residing in 17 selected areas of the Country. All subjects were clinically evaluated according to WHO criteria: gingival-periodontal conditions (CPI) was recorded by seven ad hoc calibrated raters following standard conditions of lighting and using a plain mirror and the WHO-CPI probe. Univariate analysis was performed to evaluate gingivitis prevalence. Mantel Haenszel chi-square test was applied to compare differences in proportions among gender and between the areas of the Country. Results: 1,262 subjects (22.46 %) showed at least one sextant positive at bleeding (CPI=1), while 1,592 showed at least one sextant with calculus (CPI=2). The sextant more affected was the anterior lower sextant (12.19% CPI=1 and 19.82% CPI=2). Males were more affected (CPI=1+CPI=2) 52.17% vs 48.96% the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Oral health promotion needs to be strengthened and a defined strategy should be developed and implemented for the improvement of the quality of life of individuals. Children and disadvantaged groups of the population should be given the priority when focusing on national oral health care efforts.