Severe Periodontitis rising globally among women of childbearing age, shows new data
A study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that severe periodontitis is an emerging global health burden among women of childbearing age (WCBA), projected to rise through 2040. Periodontitis is a chronic infection of the gums that leads to the loss of teeth. It has also been linked to systemic health conditions, such as adverse pregnancy outcomes. A comprehensive analysis from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study now shows an increasing prevalence and incidence of severe periodontitis among WCBA. This study was conducted by Xingzhu Dai and colleagues in China.
The study used data from the GBD 2021 to assess global and regional trends in severe periodontitis among WCBA from 1990 to 2021. Key parameters analyzed included:
Incidence (new cases per year)
Prevalence (total number of cases)
Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), which measure the disease's impact on quality of life
To predict future trends, the researchers applied a Bayesian age-period-cohort model, estimating the projected age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) through 2040.
Key Findings
High disease burden in 2021: The study reported 26,315,786 new cases, 257,234,399 total cases, and 1,680,425 DALYs globally among WCBA.
Steady increase since 1990: The age-standardized rate of severe periodontitis consistently increased from 1990 to 2021, with projections indicating further rises until 2040.
Age-specific patterns: The highest increase in disease burden was observed among younger WCBA, highlighting the need for early intervention.
Sociodemographic variations: The burden of severe periodontitis showed a downward trend in regions with higher socio demographic development, while the most significant rise occurred in areas with middle socioeconomic levels.
Severe periodontitis among WCBA represents a substantial public health concern, as oral health plays a crucial role in overall well-being, pregnancy outcomes, and long-term systemic health.
Early screening and intervention programs can help identify and manage severe periodontitis in high-risk populations.
Public health policies should be designed to enhance the education of oral health, dental care access, and affordable treatments especially in low- and middle-income regions.
Dental and maternal healthcare services could be further integrated to tackle the issue of periodontitis effects on the consequences of pregnancy.
Researchers urged an emergent need for specific directed preventions and interventions focusing on the rapidly growing burden of severe periodontitis among WCBA. Public health actions must be taken as a preventive measure to counteract the development of this disease. Specific oral health policy-making and education may help improve the long-term general health status of women worldwide.
Reference:
Dai X, Tao Y, Zhou J, Zhou Y, Liang S, Ma X. Global burden and trends of severe periodontitis among women of childbearing age, 1990-2021. J Periodontol. 2025 Jan 27. doi: 10.1002/JPER.24-0615.
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