Comparative assessment of periodontal health among adolescents in Rabat, Morocco using AAP/EFP 2017 and CDC/AAP 2012 classifications

Abstract

Periodontal diseases are highly prevalent among adolescents and represent a growing public health challenge worldwide. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and clinical profile of periodontal conditions among Moroccan adolescents and to analyze their association with socio-demographic and behavioral factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 students aged 12 to 18 years enrolled in public secondary schools in Rabat, Morocco, using a two-stage cluster sampling method. Periodontal status was evaluated by trained examiners using standardized indices, including probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, plaque index, and bleeding on probing. The results revealed that nearly two-thirds of participants presented signs of gingivitis, while a significant proportion exhibited clinical features consistent with periodontitis. Periodontal conditions were more frequent among older adolescents and were associated with poor oral hygiene practices. The findings highlight the early onset and considerable burden of periodontal disease in Moroccan adolescents, underscoring the importance of integrating targeted prevention and early detection strategies into school-based oral health programs. These data provide essential insights for guiding public health policies to improve adolescent oral health and to reduce the long-term impact of periodontal disease in Morocco.