Clinical and socio-behavioral correlates of tooth loss: a study of older adults in Tanzania

Abstract

Abstract Background: Focusing 50 year olds and above, this study assessed the fr equency, extent and correlates of tooth loss due to various reasons. Frequency and co rrelates of posterior occluding support was also investigated. Method: A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in Pwani region and in Dar es Salaam in 2004/2005. One thousand and thirty-one subjects, mean age 62.9 years participated in a clinical examination and completed interviews. Results: The prevalence of tooth loss due to any reas on was 83.5 %, due to caries 63.4% and due to other reasons than caries, 32.5%. A total of 74.9% had reduced number of posterior occluding units. Compared to subjects having less than 5 t eeth lost due to caries, those with 5 or more lost teeth were more likely to be fema les, having decayed teeth, conf irming dental attendance and to be among the least poor resident s. Compared to subjects who ha d lost less than 5 teeth due to reasons other than caries, those who had lost 5 or more teeth were more likely to be of higher age, having mobile teeth, being males, being very poor and to disconfirm dental attendance when having problems. Predictors of pr evalence of tooth loss (1 or more lost tooth) due to various reasons and reduced number of occluding units followed similar patte rns of relationships. Conclusion: The results are consistent with prevalence an d extent of tooth loss due to caries and due to reasons other than caries being differentl y related to disease- an d socio- behavioral risk indicators. Caries was the prin ciple cause of tooth loss and molar teeth were the teeth most commonly lost.