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Introduction: Periodontal disease is one of the major cause of tooth loss. There is inflammation of gingiva and periodontal tissues along with progressive loss of alveolar bone. Clinically it is characterised by attachment loss, pocket formation, alveolar bone loss and tooth mobility. A wide range of risk factors of periodontal diseases have been identified. This study was undertaken to assess the periodontal status in a rural population of Nepal that will enable in planning, manpower development and in formulating appropriate oral health program in these rural regions of Nepal.

Objective:To assess the periodontal health status in a rural population of Nepal using CPI and to assess the correlation between oral habits and periodontal status of the rural population.

Materials and Method: A representative sample of 300 subjects aged between 15 and 74 years were interviewed. Collected data included demographic characteristics and current smoking habits. Clinical examination included the recording of periodontal health status according to the CPI.

Result: In this study, only 0.7% had healthy periodontium (Code 0). Calculus (Code 2) was the most prevalent among 43.7% followed by bleeding on probing (Code 1) in 33.3%, shallow pockets (Code 3) in 13.7% and deep pockets (Code 4) in 8.7%.  Periodontal status was significantly healthier among non-smokers, females and individuals who had smoked for lesser duration.

Conclusion:The present study indicates that oral hygiene standards and periodontal health conditions need improvement in Nepal. Effective intervention programs for the prevention and control of periodontal disease are recommended at national level.

CPI, loss of attachment; Nepal; periodontal disease.