Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to identify the prevalence and factors associated with the need for removable prostheses in the elderly Brazilian population. In addition, its impact on eating difficulties and self-perceived oral health was determined. Methodology: This cross-sectional, population-based study used data from the last National Health Survey (NHS) carried out in Brazil. Chi-square test was used to initially analyze the data, followed by multiple Poisson regression to obtain adjusted prevalence ratios. Results: A total of 11,697 elderly people were included, of whom 90.8% needed removable prostheses. Complete dentures were needed in 40.9% of participants, while partial dentures were needed by 49.9%. The elderly who were older (p=0.001), had grayish-brown complexion (p=0.004), a low level of education (p<0.001), and multiple chronic diseases (p<0.001) had a greater need for removable prostheses. Successively, this need had an impact on poor self-perceived oral health (p<0.001) and greater difficulties in eating (p<0.001). Conclusion: The need for a removable prosthesis is associated with worse socioeconomic and health conditions. In addition, it has a negative impact on self-perceived oral health and feeding.
Highlights
The elderly population has been rapidly increasing worldwide due to reduced fertility rate, increased life expectancy, and lower mortality rates (Beard et al, 2016)
To verify the association between the need for a removable prosthesis with the groups of independent variables studied and those representing the impact of this necessity, chi-square test was used with a 95% confidence level
The present study aimed to identify the prevalence of the need for removable prostheses in the elderly and the factors influencing it
Summary
The elderly population has been rapidly increasing worldwide due to reduced fertility rate, increased life expectancy, and lower mortality rates (Beard et al, 2016). Some individuals have psychological disorders and experience negative impact on quality of life (Azevedo et al, 2015; Azevedo et al, 2017) Owing to these sequelae, partial or total loss of dental elements is considered a public health problem (Azevedo et al, 2017). Considering these data, the oral rehabilitation services should be increased, especially for the elderly population In this context, using current data to identify the need for removable dentures and the factors influencing it may assist in the implementation of public policies to minimize tooth loss and its functional, aesthetic, psychological, and social consequences. The impact of the necessity of removable dentures on eating and self-perceived oral health was verified
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
