Tooth loss and associated factors in adults and the elderly in Southeastern Brazil

Abstract

Aim: The high number of Brazilians with tooth loss, the difficulties to control this aggravation, and the negative impacts on affected people’s lives challenge public health to minimize such problems. The present study sought to analyze the relationship between tooth loss and sociodemographic, behavioral, and self-perception conditions in adults and the elderly in southeastern Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with data from the SB Brasil Project (2010), which presented a sample of 2,895 subjects using Poisson Regression (RP) for statistical analyses between the outcome of tooth loss and independent variables: family income, years of study, last dental appointment, reason for the last appointment, toothache in the last 6 months, place of the last dental appointment, satisfaction with teeth and mouth, difficulty in speaking, embarrassment when smiling, and need for dental treatment. Results: The results showed a relation between tooth loss and economic, behavioral, and self-perception factors both in adults and the elderly. Conclusion: Sociodemographic and behavioral variables seem to be linked to tooth loss in both adults and the elderly, suggesting that the public policies that are equitable and seek to improve access to treatment and prevention must meet both age groups through health promotion and prevention measures. Uniterms: Oral health. Tooth loss. Aged. Adults.