Prevalence of tooth loss and associated factors in institutionalized adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of tooth loss and associated factors in institutionalized adolescents. This cross-sectional study included 68 male adolescents incarcerated from Socio-Educational Assistance Center (CASE) aged between 15 and 19 years. Questionnaires were applied individually to assess sociodemographical, economical, medical, behavioral and oral health self-perception variables. All present teeth were evaluated by Decay, Missing, Filling (DMF) Index. The prevalence of tooth loss was analyzed in individuals with ≥1 tooth loss. Associations between tooth loss and exposure variables studied were analyzed by Poisson Regression with robust variance estimation. The prevalence of tooth loss was 47.06%. First molars in the mandible and maxilla and central incisor in the maxilla were the most absent teeth. In the multivariate model, number of decayed teeth, and those that reported daily use of medication were associated with higher tooth loss. Besides, tooth loss was associated with decayed tooth and daily use of medication. Oral health promotion and treatment should be implemented in these institutions to reduce the prevalence of dental loss in these adolescents.

Impact of oral health literacy and psychoactive substances on tooth loss in adolescents

“…In Brazil, the prevalence of tooth loss in adolescence ranges from 12.7% to 47.06% (Casarin et al, 2021; Colussi et al, 2017; Da Cunha et al, 2017; Peres et al, 2013; Santos et al, 2020). The study of factors associated with this problem in adolescents 15–19 years of age is important, as this population is exposed to risk factors for oral problems and dental services may not meet their specific expectations and needs (Cabudol et al, 2018).…”