Factors associated with remaining teeth of older adults in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, 2002

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to verify the association between the number of teeth present with socio-demographic and economic variables and with the access to dental services and self-perception of oral health among the elderly. Materials and Methods: The sample was composed of individuals from 65 to 74 years of age, which was representative of the state of São Paulo (n = 781). In this study, the analysis of data considered dentate elderly only, who were divided into two groups: those with one to 19 teeth and those with 20 teeth or more. The chi-squared test was used in the bivariate analysis and the logistic regression was also performed (p < 0.05). Results: Among the 313 dentate elderly, 235 (75.1%) presented one to 19 teeth. The average number of teeth was 9.5 for the elderly with fewer teeth and 25 for those with more teeth. In the bivariate analysis, all variables related to the access to dental services were associated and the chances of having less teeth was among elderly who did not visit the dentist for a long time and among those who sought public dental services and did not receive information on how to avoid oral problems. In addition, the elderly who classified their speech as not good were those who presented with fewer teeth. Conclusion: Most subjects presented one to 19 teeth and this fact was directly associated, among others factors, to the unsatisfactory perception that they reported in relation to their speech and to the too long period without visiting the dentist.

Risk indicators for tooth loss in adult workers

“…Other studies have also identified age as a risk factor for tooth loss. 4,5,18,20,21 The influence of age on tooth loss may have a cohort effect, which is explained by differences in national health policies implemented in the country's history. In Brazil and worldwide, the practice of tooth extraction accompanied the increasing incidence of caries in the 16 th and 17 th centuries.…”

“…As in this study, other studies have also observed an association between lower income and tooth loss. 4,5,20 The main reason for participant's choice of tooth extraction rather than treatment seemed to be financial. 23 The reasons for tooth loss are complex, involving not only physiological causes and socioeconomic associations, but also other factors such as personal attitudes and beliefs.…”

“…3 In addition to clinical causes, other factors have been associated with tooth loss, such as the dental service used, time since the last visit to the dentist, reason for seeking treatment, and lifestyle, demographic and socioeconomic factors. 4,5 Adults and elderly individuals in Brazil have a high number of missing teeth. In the first national oral health survey, conducted in 1988, missing teeth accounted for 65.4% of decayed/missing/filled teeth (DMFT) in adults aged 35-44 years, and 93% of DMFT in elderly individuals (aged 65-74 years).…”

Desigualdades na autoavaliacao da saude bucal em adultos

“…24 These health problems have a negative impact on the daily life of the individual, as they create functional difficulties, problems chewing and talking, and problems with sociability, such as being unhappy with appearance, difficulties being accepted socially and limiting access to the job market. 25 Oral health problems are measured using clinical indices.…”

Autopercepção em saúde bucal, uso e necessidade de prótese na população de Alagoinha-PB: estudo de base domiciliar

“…Estudos brasileiros demonstraram que a situação epidemiológica da população em relação ao edentulismo e a perda precoce do dentes é um grave problema [4,13,14]. Observar que 14,5% e 36,4%, do grupo etário entre 15 a 19 anos, precisam de algum tipo de reabilitação no arco superior e inferior, respectivamente, é um dado alarmante.…”