The Prevalence of Gingivitis and Related Risk Factors in Schoolchildren Aged 6–12 Years Old

Abstract

Background: Although epidemiological studies have consistently shown that gingivitis is a common disease, there is considerable variation between prevalence rates. This study aimed to understand the epidemiological characteristics of gingivitis, including prevalence, severity, intraoral distribution, and associated risk factors of each classification of gingivitis, in children aged 6–12 years in Jinzhou, China.Methods: A multistage, whole-group, randomized sample of 2,880 children aged 6–12 years in Jinzhou City, China, was selected and clinically examined. Each selected child completed a questionnaire on sociodemographic factors and oral health behaviors associated with gingivitis in collaboration with the investigator and teacher. Bleeding gums were recorded using the gingival index, and bleeding gum was defined as gingivitis when the number of bleeding teeth was greater than or equal to 10% of the number of teeth examined. Gingivitis was further categorized into localized gingivitis (30%≥number of teeth positive for gingival bleeding≥10%) and generalized gingivitis (number of positive for gingival bleeding >30%).Results: The prevalence of gingivitis in children aged 6–12 years in Jinzhou was 28.58%, including 701 cases of localized gingivitis (24.3%) and 122 cases of generalized gingivitis (4.2%). There were 429 cases (28.3%) of gingivitis in males and 394 cases (28.9%) in females, with no statistically significant difference in prevalence between males and females (P>0.05). Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression analysis showed that aging, tusk, plaque, and dental crowding were significantly associated with a high prevalence of gingivitis.Conclusions: Our study showed that tartar, heavy plaque, poor oral health behavior, and oral health awareness are associated with the prevalence of gingivitis and maintaining children's oral health requires professional guidance and regular preventive care.