Prevalence of periodontitis and associated factors among Portuguese Air Force pilot cadets: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the periodontal health, perceived quality of life, and oral health values among Portuguese Air Force (PT-AF) pilot cadets. Methods: This cross-sectional study included cadets from the PT-AF Academy (December 2024–Mar 2025). Participants completed sociodemographic, behavioral, Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and Oral Health Values Scale-12 (OHVS-12) questionnaires, followed by full-mouth periodontal examinations to compute Periodontal Inflamed Surface Area (PISA) and Periodontal Epithelial Surface Area (PESA), and classify periodontal status according to the 2017 European Federation of Periodontology/American Academy of Periodontology (EFP/AAP) criteria. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted, with a significance level set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Among 90 participants (72% of the contingent; mean age 21.1 ± 1.7 years), 22.2% [95% confidence interval (CI): 14.6–31.6] had periodontitis and 22.2% (95% CI: 14.6–31.6) gingivitis. Only 34.4% reported regular interproximal cleaning. Periodontitis was significantly associated with smoking habits (p = 0.029) and was more prevalent among 5th-year cadets (p = 0.002). No significant differences were found in OHIP-14 or OHVS-12 scores by periodontal status, except for the “Appearance and Health” OHVS-12 domain, where those with periodontitis scored higher (p = 0 034). Age correlated positively with PISA (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Despite their young age and military fitness, nearly half of PT-AF cadets presented clinical signs of periodontal disease. The findings underscore the importance of structured and integrating oral health surveillance and preventive strategies within military occupation health programs.