Keywords
Nepal
periodontal diseases
periodontitis
prevalence
Abstract
Introduction: Periodontal diseases are common chronic oral conditions and a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Their prevalence varies according to oral hygiene practices, socio-demographic factors, and diagnostic criteria.
Objective: To determine the prevalence and severity of periodontal diseases at a tertiary care centre in Birgunj, Nepal.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 310 patients attending the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Periodontology and Oral Implantology at National Medical College, Birgunj, Nepal from June 2024 to August 2025. Socio-demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Clinical examination included Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL), Probing Pocket Depth (PPD), and Bleeding on Probing (BOP). Periodontal diagnosis was established according to the 2017 World Workshop Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21.0. Descriptive statistics and independent t-tests were applied, and p <0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The mean age of participants was 37.69 ± 14.89 years. Of 310 participants, 18(5.8%) had healthy periodontium, 50(16.1%) had gingivitis, and 242(78.1%) had periodontitis. Stage II periodontitis was most prevalent 101(32.6%), followed by Stage I 62(20.0%), Stage III 51(16.5%), and Stage IV 28(9.0%). Participants aged ≥36 years had significantly higher PI, GI, CAL, and PPD than those aged ≤35 years
(p <0.05).
Conclusion: Periodontal diseases were highly prevalent, with periodontitis being the predominant condition. Stage II periodontitis was the most common form. Older age was associated with poorer periodontal parameters, highlighting the importance of preventive oral health measures and routine periodontal screening.
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