Onset of periodontitis — a registry-based cohort study

Objectives The present retrospective registry-based cohort study aimed to identify parameters associated with the onset of periodontitis in young adults. Material and methods A total of 345 Swedish subjects were clinically examined at age 19 years (as part of an epidemiological survey) and then followed up to 31 years through the Swedish Quality Registry for Caries and Periodontal diseases (SKaPa). The registry data including periodontal parameters were obtained for the period 2010–2018 (23–31 years). Logistic regression and survival models were used to identify risk factors for periodontitis (PPD ≥6 mm at ≥2 teeth). Results The incidence of periodontitis during the 12-year observation period was 9.8%. Cigarette smoking (modified pack-years; HR 2.35, 95%CI 1.34–4.13) and increased probing pocket depth (number of sites with PPD 4–5 mm; HR 1.04, 95%CI 1.01–1.07) at 19 years were risk factors for periodontitis in subsequent young adulthood. No statistically significant association was identified for gender, snuff use, plaque and marginal bleeding scores. Conclusion Cigarette smoking and increased probing pocket depth (≥4 mm) in late adolescence (19 years) were relevant risk factors for periodontitis in young adulthood. Clinical relevance Our study identified cigarette smoking and increased probing depth in late adolescence as relevant risk factors of periodontitis in young adulthood. Preventive programs should therefore consider both cigarette smoking and probing pocket depths in their risk assessment.