Epidemiological Study Design in Periodontics

Periodontal diseases and dental caries are the most prevalent oral diseases and are also the primary causes of loss of permanent teeth in human beings. Destructive periodontal diseases are characterized by loss of the supporting tissues of the teeth. This loss often compromises function and esthetics and may also be associated with pain and discomfort. In addition, there is recent evidence suggesting that destructive periodontitis may be a risk factor for some health problems including cardiovascular disease and low birth weight.