LAUSR

OBJECTIVE The study aimed to estimate the incidence/progression and reversal of chronic periodontitis, and to identify factors associated with chronic periodontitis in Australian adults over a 12-year period. METHODS Data were obtained from the longitudinal component of the National Study of Adult Oral Health (NSAOH) in 2004-06, and repeated data, among the same adults, in 2017-18. NSAOH 2004-06 was a population-based study of Australian adults aged 15+ years. The American Academy of Periodontology/ European Federation of Periodontology case definitions were used, then compared with two other case definitions. Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and reversal rate ratio (RRRs) of periodontitis. RESULTS A total of 775 dentate Australian adults had dental examinations at both times. The proportion of incidence/progression, and reversal among Australian adults was 56.4% and 11.0%, respectively. Tobacco smokers presented with more than 3 times higher incidence (IRR: 3.32, 95% CI: 1.50-7.60) and lower reversals (RRR: 0.94, 95%CI: 0.39-0.98) than those who had never smoked. Cessation of smoking was positively associated with periodontitis reversal. The total incidence/progression was 471.7/10,000 person-years, with reversal being 107.5/10,000 person-years. The average number of teeth lost due to periodontal disease was 1.9 in 2017-18. Being male and not having periodontal treatment were significant risk markers for the incidence/progression of periodontitis. CONCLUSION Smoking is a risk factor for periodontitis. Cessation of smoking was an effective means of reducing the incidence and progression of chronic periodontitis, to reduce the risk of tooth loss, and to improve overall periodontal health. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.