Epidemiology of plaque-induced gingivitis among 12-15-year-old Chinese schoolchildren: A study based on the 2018 case definition

Abstract

Aim: To explore the epidemiology of plaque-induced gingivitis and related factors among Chinese adolescents.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional survey comprised 118,601 schoolchildren in the 12-15-year age group. Data came from the National Oral Health Survey in mainland China. The field investigation was conducted according to the World Health Organization guidelines. The new 2018 case definition for plaque-induced gingivitis was used. Participants underwent clinical examinations and completed a structured questionnaire. Bleeding on probing (BOP) was performed on all teeth. Multinomial logistic regression was used to explore the factors related to the extent of gingivitis.

Results: Nearly half of the study population (47.3%) had plaque-induced gingivitis; 23.9% and 23.3% presented with localised and generalised gingivitis, respectively. The first molars were the most affected by BOP. Well-established factors, such as demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, local factors and smoking habits, were significantly associated with the extent of gingivitis. Odds ratios for localised and generalised gingivitis increased with the decrease in frequency of toothbrushing with a fluoride dentifrice.

Conclusions: The study population had high plaque-induced gingivitis prevalence. The extent of gingivitis appeared to have a dose-response relationship with the frequency of toothbrushing with a fluoride dentifrice.

Keywords: bleeding on probing; epidemiology; gingivitis; risk factors; schoolchildren.