[Reasons and factors which are causing tooth loss in the population of Greece].

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the reasons for tooth loss among the population of Greece and the factors which contribute to it. A total of 600 individuals, ages 18-50, was included in this study. During the examination the following were recorded: 1) The number of teeth which had already been lost and the number of teeth which had to be extracted. 2) The dental disease which was responsible for tooth loss. 3) The age, the socioeconomic status, the oral hygiene habits and the dental care of the individual. For the entire age group the percentages of teeth which had to be extracted due to caries, periodontal disease or other reasons were 68.7%, 12.3% and 19.0% respectively. The percentages of teeth which had been lost due to caries, periodontal disease or other reasons were 56.5%, 10.8% and 32.8%. The mean number of extractions of individuals was inversely related to their oral hygiene habits and frequency of visits to their dentist. Tooth loss was greater among the rural population than the urban population. People of the higher socioeconomic class tend to have a lower number of extractions.