Tooth loss and associated factors in adolescents: a Brazilian population-based oral health survey.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate tooth loss among adolescents and its factors associated.


METHODS
Data from 16,833 participants of the Brazilian Oral Health Survey 2002-2003 were analyzed. The outcome studied was tooth loss of at least one tooth. Independent variables included geographical localization, gender, skin color, per capita income, education gap, dental service utilization and fluoridated water supply at the local level. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios were estimated using Poisson regression for each Brazilian macroregion and nationwide.


RESULTS
The prevalence of at least one tooth loss was 38.9% (95% CI 38.2%;39.7%). Adolescents living in localities with non-fluoridated water supply were 40% more likely to have tooth loss compared with those living in areas with fluoridated water supply. There was seen a strong association (p<0.01) between non-fluoridated water supply and tooth loss prevalence in the Northeast. In other Brazilian regions this association was confounded for distal variables, mainly socioeconomic variables, reinforcing regional inequalities.


CONCLUSIONS
High prevalence of tooth loss among Brazilian adolescents shows a need for targeted dental actions including prevention at earlier ages, treatment of affected teeth and universal access to fluoridated water.
Barbato
Paulo Roberto
PR
Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brasil. barbato@fl oripa.com.br
Peres
Marco Aurélio
MA
D000293:Adolescent; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003729:Dental Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003753:Dental Health Surveys; D005260:Female; D005457:Fluoridation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009909:Oral Health; D016012:Poisson Distribution; D015995:Prevalence; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016388:Tooth Loss / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult