Tooth loss and associated factors in elders: results from a national survey in Uruguay

Abstract

Objectives: This study evaluated the prevalence and severity of tooth loss in Uruguayan elders, assessing its association with demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors; the use of health services; and self-reported dental treatment need. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was done among Uruguayan individuals of ages 65-74 years. Data were collected through questionnaires and clinical examinations. The dependent variable, tooth loss, was classified into three distinct outcomes: functional dentition (≥20 teeth), severe tooth loss (<9 teeth), and edentulism. The independent variables were: sex, socioeconomic status, use of health services, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, frequent consumption of alcohol, hygiene habits, and need for dental care. Results: The sample comprised 341 individuals, and the mean number of teeth present was 9.73 (95% confidence interval, 8.77-10.69) for each individual. After multivariate analysis, lack of a functional dentition, severe tooth loss, and edentulism were found to be associated with lower socioeconomic level, frequent consumption of alcohol, and receiving treatment from the public health system (P < 0.05). Individuals with self-reported dental treatment need had more severe tooth loss and presented a higher degree of edentulism (P < 0.05). Conclusions: There is a high and severe prevalence of tooth loss in elderly Uruguayans, especially among those fromlower socioeconomic levels.Our findings highlight the importance of public health policies to prevent and treat tooth loss.