# Epidemiological Data on Periodontitis in a Sample of the Bulgarian Population: A Retrospective Study

## TL;DR

This study found that nearly 70% of a sample of Bulgarian adults had periodontitis, with smoking and rural residence being key risk factors.

## Contribution

The study provides new epidemiological data on periodontitis prevalence and risk factors in the Bulgarian population.

## Key findings

- 69.1% of the sample had periodontitis, with 23.3% having mild, 31.5% moderate, and 14.3% severe cases.
- Smoking and rural residence were the strongest predictors of periodontitis.
- Periodontitis was more prevalent in individuals with several chronic diseases compared to healthy individuals.

## Abstract

Objectives

The aim of our study is to provide information on periodontitis among a convenient sample of the adult population in Bulgaria.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients who sought dental care at a private dental center. A total of 447 patients participated in the study (mean age: 49.30 years; SD ±15.76), of whom 193 (43.2%) were male and 254 (56.8%) were female. The methods used included a survey and radiographic examinations. Threshold values for alveolar bone loss were applied to determine the presence and severity of periodontitis.

Results

Of the individuals studied, 309 (69.1%) were diagnosed with periodontitis. Among them, 104 (23.3%) had mild periodontitis; 141 (31.5%) had moderate periodontitis; and 64 (14.3%) had severe periodontitis. A significant association was found between smoking and the presence of periodontitis (p < 0.001). The prevalence of periodontitis was significantly higher in patients with cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and cancer, compared to healthy individuals (p < 0.001, p < 0.002, p = 0.014, p < 0.002, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). A multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age and residence in rural areas as the strongest predictors of periodontitis (OR = 1.223; 95% CI: 1.169-1.280; p < 0.001 for age, and OR = 3.537; 95% CI: 1.361-9.190; p = 0.010 for rural areas).

Conclusions

Based on the obtained results, we recommend conducting a large-scale epidemiological study in the Bulgarian population and implementing measures to raise public awareness about periodontal diseases, their prevention, and their control.