AIM: This paper reviews global trends in the change in prevalence of periodontitis over the last 30 years.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The epidemiology of periodontal disease is briefly reviewed together with the current classification system and the clinical and radiographic diagnostic methodology in periodontal disease.

RESULTS: This review identifies the very limited number of studies that provide prevalence data over time, and this data is discussed in comparison with those stemming from a few corresponding studies from countries outside Europe.

CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate a possible trend of a lower prevalence of periodontitis in recent years.