黑料网

Periodontal disease; Prevalence; Risk factors; Urban population; Rural population; Tobacco use

Introduction

Periodontal disease is a multifactorial condition affecting the supporting structures of the teeth, which can lead to tooth loss if untreated. It has been recognized as one of the most prevalent chronic diseases globally, with a higher incidence in adults, particularly those in low-income and rural settings. Despite advancements in oral healthcare, periodontal disease remains a significant health problem due to various factors, including lifestyle, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare [1]. Urban and rural populations often differ in terms of lifestyle behaviors, dietary habits, and healthcare access, all of which can influence the prevalence of periodontal disease. Urban areas typically have better access to dental care services, higher health literacy, and more resources for preventive care. In contrast, rural areas often face barriers such as limited healthcare facilities, lower socioeconomic status, and a higher prevalence of risk factors such as tobacco use and poor diet [2].This study seeks to explore the prevalence and risk factors of periodontal disease in urban versus rural adult populations. By understanding the disparities between these groups, we can develop more targeted public health interventions to reduce the burden of periodontal disease.

Methodology

Study design

This was a cross-sectional study conducted over a period of 12 months. The study was approved by the local ethical review board, and all participants provided informed consent.

Participants

A total of 500 adults, aged 18-65, were recruited for the study. Of these, 250 participants were selected from urban areas, and 250 were selected from rural regions. The sample was stratified to ensure diversity in terms of age, gender, and socioeconomic status.

Data collection

Participants underwent a comprehensive dental examination to assess the presence and severity of periodontal disease. Clinical measurements included the Community Periodontal Index (CPI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). The presence of bleeding on probing, gingival recession, and periodontal pockets was also recorded.

A structured questionnaire was administered to gather information on the following risk factors:

• Socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, education, income level)
• Oral hygiene practices (frequency of brushing, use of floss, dental visits)
• Dietary habits (sugar intake, frequency of snacking)
• Tobacco use (smoking and smokeless tobacco)
• Access to dental care (availability and frequency of dental visits)

Statistical Analysis

Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the prevalence of periodontal disease and risk factors in both populations. Chi-square tests were used to compare categorical variables, and independent t-tests were used to compare continuous variables. A significance level of 0.05 was considered statistically significant [3].

Results

Prevalence of Periodontal Disease

The overall prevalence of periodontal disease was found to be higher in the rural population compared to the urban group. In the urban population, 58% of participants exhibited some form of periodontal disease, while in the rural population, the prevalence was 72%. Severe periodontal disease (defined as CPI scores of 3 or 4) was significantly more common in the rural group (42%) compared to the urban group (30%).

Risk Factors

• Tobacco Use: A higher proportion of rural participants (35%) reported smoking compared to urban participants (20%). Smokers were significantly more likely to have moderate to severe periodontal disease (p < 0.01).
• Oral Hygiene: Rural participants reported brushing their teeth less frequently (average of 1.5 times per day) compared to urban participants (average of 2.2 times per day). The use of dental floss was notably lower in rural areas (10%) compared to urban areas (30%).
• Dietary Habits: Rural participants consumed more sugary snacks and beverages (mean of 4.5 servings per day) compared to urban participants (mean of 3 servings per day).
• Access to Dental Care: Urban participants were more likely to visit the dentist regularly (62%) compared to rural participants (45%) (Table: 1).

Risk Factor	Urban Population (n=250)	Rural Population (n=250)	p-value
Prevalence of Periodontal Disease	58%	72%	0.001
Tobacco Use	20%	35%	0.01
Brushing Frequency (times/day)	2.2	1.5	0.001
Dental Floss Use	30%	10%	0.005
Sugary Snacks Consumption (times/day)	3	4.5	0.02
Regular Dental Visits	62%	45%	0.04

Table 1: The proportion of individuals in each population with periodontal disease

Discussion

Our study demonstrates significant differences in the prevalence and risk factors of periodontal disease between urban and rural populations. The higher prevalence of periodontal disease in rural areas can largely be attributed to factors such as tobacco use, poor oral hygiene practices, limited access to dental care, and unhealthy dietary habits. Tobacco use is a well-established risk factor for periodontal disease, and our findings are consistent with other studies that have shown higher rates of smoking in rural populations. This may be related to socioeconomic factors and limited awareness of the oral health risks associated with tobacco use in rural areas. Oral hygiene practices, including tooth brushing and flossing, were less frequent in rural populations. This could be due to a lack of dental education, fewer dental health resources, and economic constraints that prevent regular dental visits. The findings highlight the importance of improving oral health education and access to care, particularly in rural communities [4,5]. Dietary habits, particularly the consumption of sugary snacks and beverages, were also more prevalent in rural populations. High sugar intake is a well-known risk factor for periodontal disease, as it promotes the growth of bacteria that contribute to plaque formation and inflammation [6-8].

Access to dental care remains a critical issue in rural areas, where limited availability of dental professionals and healthcare facilities can hinder timely diagnosis and treatment. Urban areas, by contrast, benefit from better healthcare infrastructure and more frequent dental check-ups [9,10].

Conclusion

This study underscores the need for targeted interventions to reduce the burden of periodontal disease in both urban and rural populations. Rural areas, in particular, face significant barriers to oral health, including higher rates of tobacco use, poorer oral hygiene practices, and limited access to dental care. Public health campaigns aimed at improving awareness of the importance of oral hygiene, reducing tobacco use, and increasing access to dental services could help reduce the disparities in periodontal health between urban and rural populations. Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of community-based interventions and exploring other factors contributing to the observed disparities.

Acknowledgment

None

Conflict of Interest

None 

1. Zhou G, Li Y, Liu C, Ren H, Li H (2021). Int J Anal Chem.

, ,

2. Campanale C, Massarelli C, Losacco D, Bisaccia D, Mariangela Triozzi, et al. (2021). Trends Anal Chem 144: 116423.

,

3. Vilela A, Faroni L, Rodrigues A, Heleno F, Queiroz M, et al. (2020). J Am Chem Soc 5: 21364-21373.

, ,

4. Menezes A, Dos Santos F, Pereira P (2010). Talanta 81: 346-354

, ,

5. Ibrahim H, Al-Turki A (2000). Water 12: 418.

, ,

6. Costa C (2020). Curr Opin Toxicol.

,

7. Kim K (2017). Sci Total Environ 575: 525-535.

, ,

8. Ferreira M (2022). Environmental Research and Public Health 2022.

, ,

9. Disner G (2021). Integr Environ Assess Manag 17: 507-520.

, ,

10. Marcelino A (2019. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019.

, ,