Tooth loss, denture wearing and associated factors among an elderly institutionalised Brazilian population.
OBJECTIVE
This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence and extent of tooth loss as well as denture wear and associated factors in institutionalised elderly in Brazil.


BACKGROUND
There is scarcity of research in Brazil concerning geriatric oral health issues.


METHODS
A sample of 335 individuals over 60 years of age, representative of the institutionalised elderly from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, were selected through a stratified sampling strategy. Data were collected from structured questionnaires, reviews of medical records and intra-oral examinations.


RESULTS
Edentulousness was observed in 74.9% of the elderly and was related to age, years of study, income, length of institutionalisation, systemic diseases and mini-mental score. Among the dentate subjects, 17.9% possessed 20 or more teeth. Approximately half the edentulous elderly (42.6%) and most of the partially dentate subjects (66.7%) did not wear dentures. The multivariate analysis showed that subjects that wear dentures were more likely to be female, possess higher incomes, be more functionally independent and married. Furthermore, the odds of wearing dentures among the elderly who had lost 13-32 teeth were 9.11 times higher than those who had lost up to 12 teeth.


CONCLUSIONS
Tooth loss is highly prevalent in this institutionalised Brazilian population, and the prevalence of denture wear is low. The extent of tooth loss, income, functional status and marital status are important predictors for denture wear. The development of an oral health programme for these individuals should assist in their rehabilitation needs and promote in-home care or safe transport for the elderly to a health care location.
Ferreira
Raquel Conceição
RC
School of Dentistry, State University of Montes Claros, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. ferreiira_rc@hotmail.com
de Magalhães
Cláudia Silami
CS
Moreira
Allyson Nogueira
AN
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003778:Dentures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D009066:Mouth, Edentulous / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009735:Nursing Homes; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016388:Tooth Loss / Q000453:epidemiology*