Risk Factors for Tooth Loss Over a 28-year Period

Abstract

Over 500 residents of Tecumseh, Michigan, were dentially examined in 1959 as part of a community-wide health study. In 1987, the dental examinations were repeated, with use of the same criteria as in 1959, for 167 dentate persons from the original group. Another 28 reported by telephone that they had become edentulous since 1959. This report uses a historical cohort analysis for exploration of the risk factors for tooth loss, both total and partial, over the 28-year period. Over that time, the edentulous lost an average of 18.0 teeth (95% confidence interval 15.5, 20.7), whereas the age-matched 90 dentate persons lost only 3.2 (2.2, 4.2) teeth each. Descriptive data showed the edentulous to have higher baseline scores for plaque, calculus, and gingivitis, and a higher proportion of them smoked, though only loss of periodontal attachment (LPA) of 4 mm or more, early loss of first molars, and educational attainment were significant risk factors in regression analysis. Odds ratios for these three variables were 4.0 (1.2, 12.8), 2.0 (1.3, 3.1), and 0.6 (0.4, 0.9), respectively. The strongest risk factors for partial tooth loss among 116 dentate persons were baseline gingivitis (which was correlated with LPA of 4 mm or more) and the baseline number of teeth present, with odds ratios of 2.4 (1.2, 5.2) and 0.8 (0.7, 1.0), respectively. While the analysis had to be carried out without caries data, it was concluded that total tooth loss is a social-behavioral issue as much as it is disease-related. Social-behavioral factors were less clearly related to partial tooth loss in dentate persons; oral disease characteristics were the most prominent risk factors for partial tooth loss.

Tooth Loss in Problem-oriented, Irregular, and Regular Attenders at Dental Offices

“…It is well known that the risk of tooth loss increases as the number of PT decreases 4,14,31,33) . We believe greater awareness of this fact among the general public would encourage a change in behavior with regard to regularly visiting their dentist, which should help prevent further tooth loss.…”

Sociodemographic, Clinical, and Laboratory Parameters Related with Presence of Regular Toothbrushing in Hemodialysis Patients

“…16 Indeed, it was concluded that "total tooth loss is a social-behavioral issue as much as it is disease related". 17 It was reported that there were associations between total tooth loss and low income, education, perceived poor oral health, smoking, and negative health behavior. 18 However, it was also concluded that the factors mentioned above may not be important in all populations.…”

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

“…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] .…”

“…[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] …”