March 2010

Objective: Aggressive periodontitis is one of the periodontal diseases that affects systemically healthy individuals usually under the age of 30 years. The disease is characterized by rapid bone destruction which is inconsistent with the amount of bacterial plaque. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to determine the prevalence of aggressive periodontitis among students aged 15 to 18 years in high schools of Tehran, Iran. Research Design: Based on systematic and cluster random sampling, 5,590 students were selected. Probing pocket depth on six areas of incisors and first molars was carried out. Students with pocket depth ≥ 4 mm on more than one tooth were referred for radiographic examination. In cases where the distance between the crest of interdental septa and CEJs were ≥ 2mm, full clinical and radiographic examination were performed. Results: Only seven persons, four girls and three boys, had the diagnostic criteria of localized aggressive periodontitis. One patient was diagnosed with generalized aggressive periodontitis. Therefore, the prevalence of aggressive periodontitis among 15-18 years old school- children was 0.13% in this study. Conclusion: The present study indicates that the prevalence of aggressive periodontitis in Tehran is low and similar to the studies of the same age range and diagnostic criteria in other countries. Key words: Aggressive periodontitis, prevalence.