IMPACTS OF TOOTH LOSS AND PREFERENCES FOR TOOTH REPLACEMENT AMONG CLINIC ATTENDEES AT A PUBLIC UNIVERSITY

Abstract

AIM To assess impacts of tooth loss, preferences for tooth replacement, and relationship between impacts of tooth loss and number of missing teeth. METHODS This is a descriptive cross-sectional survey involving a convenient sample of 244 patients attending a primary health centre and dental clinic at a public university. The respondents completed self-administrated questionnaires on personal background, status of tooth replacement, impacts of tooth loss using a 12-items modified Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), and preferences for tooth replacement. A dental examination was done to determine number of missing teeth RESULTS The mean age of the respondents was 56.2 years (S.D. 8.1). The mean number of missing teeth was 8.3 (S.D. 7.3); 62.7% had at least 20 natural teeth. Majority (62.3%) were not wearing dental prosthesis. Mean GOHAI score was 16.3 (S.D. 4.8). 66.0% experienced difficulty in biting some food, 59.4% worried about oral health and 57.8% experienced discomfort when eating. Dental implants were the most preferred replacement option (38.9%).  GOHAI scores were not related to number of missing teeth (Pearson’s r=-0.01, p=0.868). CONCLUSIONS Tooth loss and use of dental prosthesis had some impacts on quality of life although impacts were not high.