Risk indicators for tooth loss in adult workers

Marília Jesus Batista,Lílian Berta Rihs,Maria Da Luz Rosário De Sousa

doi:10.1590/s1806-83242012000500003

Marília Jesus Batista, Lílian Berta Rihs + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s1806-83242012000500003

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Abstract

Tooth loss continues to be a prevalent condition in Brazilian adults and elderly individuals. The aim of this cross-sectional study, conducted among workers in a wholesale grocery chain in the State of São Paulo, was to identify risk indicators for tooth loss in adults. The presence of caries and periodontal status were examined in 387 adults aged 20-64 years, according to World Health Organization criteria. Two outcomes were analyzed: loss of one or more teeth, and loss of four or more teeth. Independent variables analyzed were demographic and socioeconomic factors, clinical conditions, use of dental services, and self-perceived oral health. Poisson regression models were used for multivariate statistical analysis. Participants were missing a mean of 5.38 teeth, and 76.9% (n = 297) had lost at least one tooth; the most frequently lost teeth were permanent molars. Older age and the presence of visible dental biofilm were associated significantly with the two tooth loss outcomes (p < 0.05). Individuals who had visited the dentist 3 or more years previously showed a lower prevalence of tooth loss (prevalence ratio = 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.91). Those with lower household incomes were significantly more likely to have lost four or more teeth (prevalence ratio = 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.70). Study results indicated that age and dental biofilm were risk indicators for tooth loss, independently of socioeconomic factors. These risk indicators should be considered when planning oral health programs for adults.

Highlights

Tooth loss in adults and elderly individuals continues to be an oral health hazard that has negative impacts on quality of life and interferes with work activities.[1]
In addition to clinical causes, other factors have been associated with tooth loss, such as the dental service used, time since the last visit to the dentist, reason for seeking treatment, and lifestyle, demographic and socioeconomic factors.[4,5]
A total of 386 adults [54.7% (n = 211) female] aged 20–64 years who worked in the metropolitan region of São Paulo were examined

Summary

Introduction

Tooth loss in adults and elderly individuals continues to be an oral health hazard that has negative impacts on quality of life and interferes with work activities.[1] Missing teeth can interfere with chewing ability, diction, and esthetics. Low self-esteem related to tooth loss can hinder an individual’s ability to socialize, hamper the performance of work and daily activities, and lead to absence from work.[2] the identification of tooth loss risk indicators in workers is an important public health measure. Caries and periodontal disease are the main reasons for tooth loss in adults.[3] In addition to clinical causes, other factors have been associated with tooth loss, such as the dental service used, time since the last visit to the dentist, reason for seeking treatment, and lifestyle, demographic and socioeconomic factors.[4,5]

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Results

Conclusion