Global burden and trends of severe periodontitis among women of childbearing age, 1990-2021.

Background: The global burden and trend of severe periodontitis, as well as its association with sociodemographic development, among women of childbearing age (WCBA) have been unclear so far. This study aims to assess the epidemiological pattern of severe periodontitis in WCBA from 1990 to 2021 and provide projections through 2040.

Methods: Data on the incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of severe periodontitis among WCBA from 1990 to 2021 were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2021. The Bayesian age-period-cohort model was run to project the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) through 2040.

Results: In 2021, an estimated 26,315,786 incident cases, 257,234,399 prevalent cases, and 1,680,425 DALYs were reported globally. From 1990 to 2021, a consistent annual increase in the age-standardized rate of severe periodontitis was observed, and the ASIR is projected to continue to rise until 2040. Additionally, the burden of severe periodontitis demonstrated a downward trend with increasing sociodemographic development. In 2021, age-specific rates of severe periodontitis increased with age, with the most significant changes occurring in younger age groups.

Conclusion: The rising global burden of severe periodontitis, along with regional and age variations, highlights the urgent need for innovative prevention and healthcare strategies to reduce this burden among WCBA globally.

Plain language summary: Women of childbearing age (WCBA) represent nearly a quarter of the global population, yet there is a significant gap in consistent global and regional surveillance data on severe periodontitis in this group. Our study revealed that severe periodontitis among WCBA poses a substantial public health challenge worldwide. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized rate of severe periodontitis increased globally, with the most significant rise observed in regions with middle socioeconomic development. This condition disproportionately affects women in their prime years, with the fastest growth seen among younger WCBA. It is essential that healthcare providers recognize the gender disparities and societal factors related to socioeconomic development that contribute to the risk of severe periodontitis in this population. To address this issue effectively, it is crucial to develop region- and age-specific prevention strategies, as well as targeted healthcare interventions.