Can dentures improve the quality of life of those who have experienced considerable tooth loss?
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to identify variations in the impact of oral health on quality of life (OHQOL) among UK residents in relation to self-reported number of teeth possessed and denture status. In addition, to determine whether recourse to a removable prosthesis for those who claimed that they had experienced considerable tooth loss (having <20 teeth) was associated with quality of life.


METHODS
The vehicle for this was the Office for National Statistics Omnibus survey in Great Britain. A random probability sample of 2667 addresses was selected in a multistage sampling process. Participants were interviewed about their oral health status. The impact of oral health on quality of life was measured utilising the OHQoL-UK(W) measure.


RESULTS
The response rate was 68%. Variations in OHQoL-UK(W) scores were apparent in relation to self-reported number of teeth possessed (P < 0.001) and denture status (P < 0.001). Moreover, disparities in OHQOL were apparent among those who experienced considerable tooth loss who didn't have recourse to a denture (P < 0.001). In regression analysis, those who claimed that they had <20 natural teeth but had no recourse to a denture were less than half as likely to enjoy enhanced oral health related quality of life compared to others in the population (OR = 0.46, 95% Cl 0.30, 0.71), controlling for socio-demographic factors.


CONCLUSIONS
Experience of considerable tooth loss without recourse to a removable dental prosthesis is an important predictor of oral health related quality of life, as captured by OHQoL-UK(W), and associated with reduced quality of life.
McGrath
C
C
Periodontology and Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. mcgrathc@hkucc.hku.hk
Bedi
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003778:Dentures / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012494:Sampling Studies; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D016388:Tooth Loss / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006113:United Kingdom