Which group reported the highest average attachment loss at 40 years of age?

The group that reported the highest average attachment loss at 40 years of age is the Sri Lankan tea workers. This finding is significant because it highlights the impact of various socioeconomic and occupational factors on periodontal health.

Sri Lankan tea workers often face challenging working conditions, including limited access to dental care, exposure to environmental factors, and potentially higher rates of tobacco use, which can contribute to periodontal disease. Such disparities in access to preventive and therapeutic dental services can lead to higher rates of attachment loss within this population compared to more privileged groups.

In contrast, other groups like Norwegian academics and dental professionals generally have better access to dental care and education about oral health, which can result in lower rates of attachment loss. The general population may exhibit varying levels of periodontal health based on multiple lifestyle factors, but it is often more favorable than that observed in workers facing socioeconomic challenges. The comparison emphasizes the importance of addressing health inequalities and understanding how work environments can influence periodontal outcomes.