Risk Factors for Total Tooth Loss in the United States; Longitudinal Analysis of National Data

Abstract

The NHANES I Epidemiologic Follow-up Study (NHEFS) of 1982-84 collected longitudinal data from 10,523 individuals initially seen during the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I) of 1971-75. Among this additional data was information on the incidence of total tooth loss during the 10 years between the surveys, which could then be added to NHANES I data to identify risk factors. In this analysis, a series of bivariate analyses were carried out, followed by logistic regression analysis to assess the simultaneous effect of major variables. Results showed that 7.4 percent of dentate Americans aged 25-74 at NHANES I became edentulous over the next 10 years. In bivariate analyses, the incidence of edentulism was correlated with baseline measures of lower income and education status, poorer oral health, self-perceptions of poor general health and oral health, absence of a regular dentist, and a lower number of remaining teeth at baseline. No correlation was found with gender and geographic region, nor with self-reported diabetes and arthritis, and age was not a factor when the number of remaining teeth at baseline were taken into account. In a logistic regression model assessing the effect of these variables simultaneously, none of the demographic variables retained significance; the only variable statistically significant in both age groups was the number of teeth remaining at baseline. Other significant variables in younger persons were higher periodontal disease scores, perceived poor dental health, perceived need for extractions, history of smoking, and low ascorbic acid intake. Some of these variables were reflections of negative health behavior and attitudes rather than direct correlates. Principal findings from this study were the importance of early tooth loss in eventual edentulism and the virtual disappearance of gender and age as determinants of total 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.…”

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

“…The notable bad habits among the study population were smoking 6.0%, beetle nut chewing 4.0% and snuffing 3.0%. Eklund and Burtn reported there were associations between total tooth loss and low income, education, perceived poor oral health, smoking and negative health behavior 7 .…”

“…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] …”

“…Dental cysts and carcinoma of the oral cavity are also common oral health problems in Bangladesh.The people of rural areas are comparatively much ignorant regarding their oral hygiene. 6,7 They normally use neem sticks, ashes, etc. to clean their teeth in the morning.…”