Periodontal disease in American Indians and Alaska Natives

Objective: The primary purpose of this paper is to provide information on t he periodontal disease status of Native Americans using a variety of data s ources. The impact of periodontal disease on the provision of dental care w ithin the Indian Health Service (IHS) is also discussed. Methods: Four data sources were used to evaluate the periodontal disease status of Native Ame ricans: IHS periodontal disease monitoring system (1962-78), 1984 IHS Patie nt Oral Health Survey, 1990 WHO community-based survey (ICS-ll), and the 19 91 IHS Patient Oral Health Survey Results: There appears to be a trend towa rd a higher prevalence of incipient and overt periodontal disease among Nat ive Americans over time. The prevalence of overt periodontal disease (perio dontal pockets >5.5 mm) is higher among Native American diabetic patients t han nondiabetic patients (34% vs 19%. Conclusions: Due to the variety of in dices used by the IHS during the last 20 years, it is difficult to make dir ect comparisons of the available periodontal disease data. However, it appe ars that the prevalence of periodontal disease among Native Americans is in creasing. Type II diabetes accounts for significant increases in periodonta l disease and tooth loss in Native American populations. Certain forms of e arly onset periodontal disease also may pose significant threats to the ora l health of Native Americans.