PREVALENCE OF PERIODONTAL-DISEASE IN AN ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY POPULATION AS INDICATED BY AN EXPERIMENTAL PERIODONTAL INDEX

An experimental periodontal screening examination and index was used t o measure the prevalence of gingivitis and periodontitis among 1,334 s oldiers at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Although 12.1% of the subjects demonst rated no disease, 40.3% were found to have gingivitis. In this sample group, the occurrence of gingivitis decreased with increasing age. Ear ly periodontitis (probing depths of 3-5 mm) was detected in 35.7% of t he subjects, and subjects with moderate to advanced periodontitis (pro bing depths greater than 5 mm) comprised 11.9% of the sample. The scre ening exam used is suggested for use as part of each soldier's annual dental examination.