Prevalence of self-reported severe periodontitis: Data from the population-based CONSTANCES cohort

Aim: To assess the prevalence of severe periodontitis based on the population-based CONSTANCES cohort using a validated self-reported questionnaire. Materials and Methods: Individuals were selected from the adult population in France using a random sampling scheme. Analyses were restricted to those invited in 2013–2014 who completed the periodontal health questionnaire at the 2017 follow-up. The risk of severe periodontitis was assessed using the periodontal screening score (PESS) and weighting coefficients were applied to provide representative results in the general French population. Results: The study included 19,859 participants (9204 men, mean age: 52.8 ± 12.6 years). Based on a PESS ≥ 5, 7106 participants were at risk of severe periodontitis, corresponding to a weighted prevalence of 31.6% (95% confidence interval: 30.6%–32.7%). This prevalence was higher among participants aged 55 and over, those with lower socio-economic status as well as current smokers, e-cigarette users and heavy drinkers. Among individuals at risk of severe periodontitis, only 18.8% (17.3%–20.4%) thought they had gum disease, although 50.5% (48.6%–52.5%) reported that their last dental visit was less than 6 months. Conclusions: The present survey indicates that (1) self-reported severe periodontitis is highly prevalent with marked disparities between groups in the general French adult population, and (2) periodontitis could frequently be under-diagnosed given the low awareness.