Factors contributing to tooth retention among elderly women

The purpose of this study is to identify factors contributing to tooth retention. A questionnaire was prepared which includes 22 main items concerning oral health care. The questionnaire was answered by 144 females in their 80's at 4 Health and Welfare Centers for the Aged in the City of Naha in July 1995 through interview format. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression, in which the dependent variable was tooth retention. The results were as follows: 1) The mean number of teeth of those in their 80's was 3.8 +/- 7.2; 2) A high percentage, 122 (84.7%), were observed to be in moderate or excellent health; 3) Less than half, 63 (43.7%), were observed to have a strong family history of oral health; 4) Character (p < 0.01), those having a periodical oral health checkup from their 50's (p < 0.01) and total oral health care in their 50's (p < 0.05) were statistically significant. The results also suggest that the multiple logistic regression model consisted of character (odds ratio (OR) = 11.62); having a periodical oral health checkup from their 50's (OR = 9.39); and total oral health care in their 50's (OR = 4.23) among elderly females in their 80's in Okinawa Prefecture.