Number of teeth and risk of root caries.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate the association between number of natural teeth and prevalence of root caries.


METHODS
A cross-sectional design was adopted. A stratified multi-stage purposive sampling method was used to select a wide range of elderly people from all social classes, educational levels and sexes. Data was collected through interviews and clinical examinations.


METHODS
Urban area in Chiang Mai-Thailand.


METHODS
549 elderly dentate aged 60-74 years.


METHODS
Teeth with decay and filled roots (DF-T).


RESULTS
The prevalence of root caries was 18.2% with a mean DF-T of 0.58 (S.D. 2.02). Results of multiple logistic regression showed that number of teeth, DMF-S scores, sex, and socio economic factors were statistically significantly associated with root caries (P < 0.05). Adjusted odds ratios demonstrated a 14% increase in the chance of having root caries when the number of teeth increased one unit. Similarly, a 3% increase was observed for each unit increase in the DMF-S scores (p < 0.001). Being male, having more than four years of education and earning more than 1500 baht/month increased the chances of root caries by 76%, 139% and 85% respectively (p < 0.001). Recession and age were not statistically significantly associated with root caries.


CONCLUSIONS
Having more teeth, higher DMF-S scores, earning more than 1500 baht/month, having more than 4 years of education and being male increased the likelihood of having root caries.
Nicolau
B
B
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Royal Free and University College London Medical School, London, UK.
Srisilapanan
P
P
Marcenes
W
W
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004245:DMF Index; D005260:Female; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D012306:Risk; D012307:Risk Factors; D017213:Root Caries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology; D014070:Tooth; D014505:Urban Population