Comparison of periodontal disease status of adults in two untreated indigenous populations of Guatemala, Central America.

OBJECTIVE To compare the periodontal disease levels of two distinct indigenous populations of Guatemala, Central America, to determine whether differences exist. MATERIAL AND METHODS Cross-sectional studies were performed in adults from the communities of San Juan La Laguna, SJLL (n = 125) and Tzununa (n = 54). In both cases, full-mouth pocket probing depths (PPDs) and clinical attachment levels (CALs) were measured by a single examiner, and the same examiner was employed in both studies. Recession at each site was derived from PPD and CAL measures. RESULTS Tooth number did not differ significantly between SJLL and Tzununa (28.0 and 27.2, respectively). With respect to periodontal disease status, the percentage of sites with PPD >or= 5, 6 and 7 mm did not differ significantly, although mean PPD was significantly greater in the Tzununa sample (P = 0.01). Mean CAL and percentage of sites with CAL >or= 4, 5, 6 and 7 mm was significantly greater in SJLL than in Tzununa (P < 0.005) and the difference increased with age. Mean recession was also significantly greater in SJLL than Tzununa (P < 0.005), as was the percentage of sites with recession >or= 3 mm (P = 0.02), 4 mm (P = 0.002) and 5 mm (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION The disease levels differed between these two indigenous Guatemalan communities. Whether this has a primarily environmental or genetic basis remains to be elucidated. :