Prevalence of chronic periodontitis according to the new 2018 classification

Introduction: Periodontitis constitutes an important public health problem due to its high prevalence, and the new 2018 classification aims to establish adequate criteria and timely treatments. Objective: To determine the prevalence of chronic periodontitis, according to the new 2018 classification. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the "Martyrs del Moncada" Provincial Teaching Dental Clinic in Santiago de Cuba, between January 2021 and May 2022. The universe consisted of 462 patients, who had at least six functional teeth and who gave their consent to participate in the study. The variables used were age, sex, prevalence of chronic periodontitis, stages, extension and degrees of progression of the disease, obtained from the individual periodontal medical history and then entered into a data form. Descriptive statistical tables of absolute and relative frequencies were created; as well as the chi-square statistical test with a significance level of 0,05. Results: There was a predominance of females (52,2 %) and the 35- to 59-year-old age group (65,4 %). Chronic periodontitis prevailed in 66,0 % of the patients studied, as well as stage II (38,7 %), localized type (81,3 %), and grade B or moderate disease progression in 68,9 %. Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of moderate chronic periodontitis according to the new 2018 classification, significantly characterized by stage II, localized type, and with a risk of moderate or grade B disease progression.