A national survey of periodontal treatment needs of adults in the Philippines

2,400 dentate adults (15 to 65 yr), representative of rural and urban areas of all twelve regions of the Philippines, were screened for their periodontal treatment needs using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN). The distribution pattern of CPITN scores for the criteria, healthy, gingival bleeding (on probing), calculus, 4-5 mm and 6 mm or deeper periodontal pockets was similar for adult populations in each of the twelve regions. Calculus predominated as the most frequently recorded score, with a prevalence exceeding 70% in young adults but decreasing to about 40% in older adults. The decrease in prevalence of calculus with age was associated with an increase in 4-5 mm pocketing, 4% in young adults and about 60% in older adults. Periodontally healthy mouths and cases of deep pocketing were relatively uncommon. The assessed treatment need was predominantly Type 2 (scaling and improved oral hygiene). Need for complex treatment (Treatment Need Type 3) was low involving only 4% of older adults. The pattern of assessed periodontal treatment needs of adults in the Philippines was indicative of endemic gingivitis and calculus and moderate to low prevalence of pocketing.