| Summary: | The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease and treatment needs in a Brazilian rural community, using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN). This study included 183 individuals who were clinically evaluated. The results showed that 45% of the individuals between ages 0-5 years had bleeding upon probing, and 34% of individuals ages 6-12 presented dental calculus. Among the individuals ages 13-18, 15% of pathological pockets were found with probing depth (PD) of 4-5 mm. However, among individuals ages 19-34, 50% showed a PD of 4-5 mm and 12.5% PD ≥ 6 mm. In the group of individuals ages 35-44, 17% showed PD ≥ 6 mm. Ninety percent of the individuals up to 13 years old needed only oral hygiene instructions. Dental scaling was indicated to 70% and 95% of the individuals aged 13-18 and 19-34 respectively. A more complex periodontal therapy was indicated to 17% of individuals aged 35-44. These results showed the necessity of the implementation of dental preventive programs to this community, especially to individuals under 12 years, and curative programs for individuals ages older than 13 years old.
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