The aim of this epidemiological survey was to analyze the periodontal conditions of 19-year old individuals in an urban area of Sweden, with special reference to gender and socioeconomic factors. A randomized sample of 272 individuals living in Göteborg, Sweden, was clinically examined with regard to
oral hygiene,
gingivitis,
periodontal pockets, probing attachment loss (PAL) and
gingival recession. Bitewing radiographs were used for assessments of alveolar bone level (ABL) and
dental calculus. A questionnaire-based interview regarding
oral hygiene habits was included. Data were analyzed with regard to differences between gender and socioeconomic grouping. The subjects showed a mean plaque score of 59% and a
gingivitis score of 44%. 70% of the adolescents had a plaque score of > or = 50%, whereas corresponding figure for
gingivitis was 37%. 27% of the subjects had at least one tooth with
gingival recession. The mean prevalence of sites with probing depth of > or = 6 mm was 0.5, and the prevalence of PAL > or = 2 mm was 0.7. A radiographic bone level of > or = 2 mm was observed at on average 0.8 teeth per subject. Females had significantly less plaque and
gingivitis than males and significantly higher number of teeth with
gingival recession. There were no clinically significant differences in periodontal conditions between socioeconomic groups. In conclusion,the survey revealed higher prevalence of plaque and
gingivitis among male than female adolescents but no differences between socioeconomic groups.