Clinical and socio-behavioral correlates of tooth loss: a study of older adults in Tanzania

Abstract

BackgroundFocusing 50 year olds and above, this study assessed the frequency, extent and correlates of tooth loss due to various reasons. Frequency and correlates of posterior occluding support was also investigated.MethodA cross-sectional household survey was conducted in Pwani region and in Dar es Salaam in 2004/2005. One thousand and thirty-one subjects, mean age 62.9 years participated in a clinical examination and completed interviews.ResultsThe prevalence of tooth loss due to any reason was 83.5 %, due to caries 63.4% and due to other reasons than caries, 32.5%. A total of 74.9% had reduced number of posterior occluding units. Compared to subjects having less than 5 teeth lost due to caries, those with 5 or more lost teeth were more likely to be females, having decayed teeth, confirming dental attendance and to be among the least poor residents. Compared to subjects who had lost less than 5 teeth due to reasons other than caries, those who had lost 5 or more teeth were more likely to be of higher age, having mobile teeth, being males, being very poor and to disconfirm dental attendance when having problems. Predictors of prevalence of tooth loss (1 or more lost tooth) due to various reasons and reduced number of occluding units followed similar patterns of relationships.ConclusionThe results are consistent with prevalence and extent of tooth loss due to caries and due to reasons other than caries being differently related to disease- and socio- behavioral risk indicators. Caries was the principle cause of tooth loss and molar teeth were the teeth most commonly lost.

Factors Affecting Oral Health in Non-Commissioned Soldiers of Bangladesh Army attended the Dhaka Combined Military Hospital

“…Some researchers reported socio-economic inequalities were related to oral health loss. [15][16][17][18] The perceptions about dental disease of the respondents were 97.0% and only 3.0% respondent did not have idea about dental diseases.The respondents believe that improper cleaning of teeth and mouth 64.94%, taking of excessive sweets 21.64% and residual food in the oro-dental cavity 13.40% are responsible for dental diseases. Bad habit like mouth breathing 8.0%,tongue thrusting 1.0%, lip biting 3.0%, pencil biting 12.0% and Brushing 13.0% observed among the respondents.…”

“…Bad habit like mouth breathing 8.0%,tongue thrusting 1.0%, lip biting 3.0%, pencil biting 12.0% and Brushing 13.0% observed among the respondents. Some study revealed that Dental and oral health are affected by diet and certain aspects of lifestyle [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] .…”

“…Brushing teeth infrequently and being a smoker affected tooth loss, were reported by a number of authors. 10,12,15 It was the first visit in any dental hospital or for any dental treatment for 9.0% of the participants. Gilbert et al 11 found that less positive attitude to dentists, and who practiced dental hygiene less frequently and were smokers had lost more tooth.…”

“…[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Data indicated that the prevalence rate of PDD, worldwide, varied from 37% to 77%, depending on age of onset, oral hygiene, and other risk factors, underlying dental problems, smoking and diabetes. [21][22] …”

“…It irritates the mucous membrane of mouth and intensifies the respiration. 15 Tannins in the betel nut slightly shrink the cells. 17,20,21 Lime is used with betel leafthat breaks down the alkaloid in the betel nut by metabolism.…”