Tooth loss prevalence and risk indicators in an isolated population of Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, extent, and risk indicators of tooth loss in an isolated population of Brazil.


METHODS
Two-hundred-and-forty-two subjects, ranging in age from 14 to 82 years (mean 36.2 years), were identified by census in an isolated population of Brazil. All consenting subjects received a full-mouth clinical (DFT index and information about missing teeth) and periodontal examination of 6 sites per tooth. Furthermore, they were interviewed using a structured written questionnaire in order to gather information about demographic, environmental, and biological variables.


RESULTS
Of the 200 subjects (80% response rate), 19 (9.5%) were edentulous, 90% had lost at least one tooth, and 39% had lost more than 8 teeth. The mean number of teeth lost was 9.5 (95% CI = 8.2-10.8). First mandibular molars were the most commonly missing teeth. In a multiple logistic regression analysis based on a theoretical hierarchical model of tooth loss, having more than 8 teeth lost was strongly associated with adult age (OR = 18.3-17.3, 95% CIs = 4.8-69.7 and 4.0-75.1) and female gender (OR = 5.9, 95% CI = 1.9-18.2) in the final model.


CONCLUSIONS
Tooth loss was highly prevalent and extensive in this isolated population. Demographic and behavioral factors played an important role in tooth loss prevalence in this population.
Corraini
Priscila
P
Division of Periodontics, Department of Stomatology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Baelum
Vibeke
V
Pannuti
Cláudio Mendes
CM
Pustiglioni
Alessandro Nautili
AN
Romito
Giuseppe Alexandre
GA
Pustiglioni
Francisco Emílio
FE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D004245:DMF Index; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D008963:Molar / Q000473:pathology; D017622:Periodontal Attachment Loss / Q000453:epidemiology; D010512:Periodontal Index; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D016388:Tooth Loss / Q000453:epidemiology*; D035862:Vulnerable Populations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult