February JADA examines burden of severe periodontitis
Other articles discuss depression and oral health, use of extracted teeth in research
The burden of severe periodontitis remains a public health concern in the U.S., emphasizing the need for targeted interventions in high-risk populations and regions, according to a study published in the February issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association.
The cover story, “The Burden of Severe Periodontitis in the United States: Insights From a Population-Based Analysis,” evaluated the burden of severe periodontitis in the U.S. from 1990 through 2021 and projected its trajectory through 2050.
The researchers obtained data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 and assessed trends based on age, sex and state. They found male participants and those aged 50-64 experienced a higher burden. Regional disparities were also notable, with New York and North Carolina seeing the highest age-standardized incidence rates of severe periodontitis and Nevada and Arizona experiencing the fastest-growing burdens.
The analysis projected the overall burden would remain stable through 2050.
“Targeted strategies for aging populations and more equitable distribution of oral health care resources across states are essential to reduce the burden of severe periodontitis and promote oral health care equity in the United States,” the authors said in the study.
Other articles in the February issue of JADA discuss the relationship between depression and oral health, the clinical management of molar hypomineralization and the use of extracted human teeth in oral research.
Every month, JADA articles are published online at JADA.ADA.org. ADA members can access JADA content with their ADA username and password.
