Spherical shadows within the maxillary antrium.

Abstract

Object: The purpose of this study is to explore the possible causes of edentulism among Taiwanese over 65 years elders. Methods: A sample of 1,600 elders was randomly selected. Measurement parameters used in this research were structured questionnaires composed by the researchers. Information gathering was done by trained individuals who visited the subjects at their homes. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors that cause the elders to become completely toothless. Results: The risk factors of edentulism are as follows: individuals who are older age i.e., aging, female, having lower education level, having lower frequency of weekly social activities, having lower frequency of tooth brushing, having the habit of chewing betel nuts, or having hypertension and diabetes, not having regular dental checked, not visiting a fixed dental clinic for service, not using the dental floss. Conclusions: In the future, the government shall exert great efforts to establish the family-dentist system for better dental health care and protection, to publicize the correct knowledge of dental hygiene, to instruct the correct guidance of keeping good oral health condition; and also, to regularly follow up the oral screen and dental check on particular population with chronic disease in order to provide the therapy as needed.