THE PREVALENCE OF LOCALIZED AGGRESSIVE PERIODONTITIS IN 14 – 16-YEAR-OLD SCHOOL STUDENTS IN TABRIZ

Localized aggressive periodontitis is a destructive periodontal disease affecting first molars and/or incisors in young adults. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of this disease in 14 – 16- year-old students in Tabriz. A two-stage diagnostic procedure was used in this cross-sectional study in which 1,482 school students (14 – 16-year-old) were screened initially through assessment of probing depth around the incisors and first molars and through assessment of plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and calculus surface severity index (CSSI). Positive subjects were then diagnosed definitively through full clinical examination including depth and assessment of CSSI, PI, and GI, and bitewing radiographic examination. The difference in gender was evaluated by Chi-square test. Localized aggressive periodontitis exists among 14 – 16-year-old students. The total prevalence of localized aggressive periodontitis in this age group is 0.5% (0.6% for boys and 0.45% for girls). Chi-square tests showed no difference in gender. Localized aggressive periodontitis is an early-onset type of periodontitis and the prevalence of localized aggressive periodontitis in this study corresponds to those found in other studies. Further studies are recommended in order to clarify the causes of this disease and to evaluate the disease in younger children.