Risk indicators associated with tooth loss among Indian adults

To assess the prevalence of tooth loss and to evaluate and compare the risk indicators associated with tooth loss among adults in urban and rural areas of Davangere taluk, India.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1200 adults (632 males, 568 females) aged 35-74 years in urban and rural areas of Davangere taluk, India. Data was collected by an interview followed by clinical examination (number of missing teeth). Demographic and socioeconomic factors, life style, self perceived oral health and utilization of dental services were the independent variables assessed. One way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), post hoc test (Bonferroni), chi square test, student's t-test and logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis.

Mean number of missing teeth per person was 4.2±7.4. Atleast one tooth missing was observed among 51.8% of subjects and 5.2% were completely edentulous. Tooth loss was higher in rural (4.7±7.8) than urban (3.5±6.8) adults. Individuals (62.8%) who thought that tooth loss was inevitable had significantly higher mean number of missing teeth (4.8±7.9) (p<0.001). Lack of dental treatment facilities in the vicinity was reported by 95% of rural adults. The odds of tooth loss in older adults and illiterates were nearly 1.2 and 1.1 times higher respectively. The lower income subjects presented nearly twice higher odds for tooth loss than the higher income group. Similarly, 94% odds were observed in smokers than non smokers.

The insights gained illustrate that tooth loss was highly prevalent in this rural Davangere population and the significant risk indicators identified were age, education, socio-economic status and cigarette smoking.