SYSTEM OF MEASUREMENT OF THE SEVERITY OF PERIODONTAL-DISEASE IN PAST POPULATIONS

This paper presents a review of the antiquity of periodontal disease, discussing past aetiological concepts in comparison to current researc h on the causes of this condition. As periodontal disease is analysabl e on dry bone specimens, it is possible to document its natural histor y. To date, little work has been done on an actual system of measureme nt for periodontal disease in such specimens. A new system of measurem ent is proposed, which is confined to evaluating the periodontal statu s of post-mortem skulls. The system is a modification of the Ramfjord index for periodontal disease (PDI) and can be adapted for both indivi dual specimen measurement and for population studies. Seven skulls, ca . AD 500-700, from the Varden Site at Long Point, Ontario, were examin ed using the proposed system. Mean attachment loss was computed for ea ch of the seven specimens. The results revealed one specimen with earl y periodontitis, four with moderate periodontitis and two with advance d periodontitis. This system provides a concise method for classificat ion of the severity of periodontal disease in dry bone specimens that will be useful in documenting the history of this disease.