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

The aim of this retrospective study was to compare number of teeth lost among regular attenders (RAs), irregular attenders (IRAs), and problem-oriented attenders (POAs) at dental offices over a 10-yr observation period. Information on tooth loss was obtained from general practitioners. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on appointment adherence. A total of 1,886 teeth were lost in 1,400 patients. The mean number of teeth lost in men was 2.2±2.6 per patient over 10 yr in POAs, 1.2±1.7 in IRAs, and 1.5±1.5 in RAs. This number was significantly lower in IRAs (p = 0.011) or RAs (p=0.012) than in POAs. When the dependent variable was defined as "a patient with at least 2 or more extracted teeth", the independent variables showed the following correlations with tooth loss: IRAs (OR: 0.54; 95%CI: 0.35-0.84), RAs (OR: 0.65; 95%CI: 0.47-0.89), man (OR: 1.43; 95%CI: 1.11-1.83), hypertension (OR: 1.38; 95%CI: 1.04-1.85), 20-25 present teeth (OR: 2.41; 95%CI: 1.81-3.22), and 1-19 present teeth (OR: 3.75; 95%CI: 2.73-5.16). The risk of tooth loss showed a 0.65-fold increase in RAs undergoing maintenance compared with POAs. Motivating patients to visit the dentist more regularly and undergo maintenance is important. The present results may be of use to dental professionals in providing patients with detailed information on potential tooth loss and associated risk factors with the aim of achieving such a change in behavior.