Risk factors for tooth loss in the institutionalised elderly; a six-year cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine risk factors for tooth loss and edentulism in institutionalised elderly people.

DESIGN

Six-year prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Twenty nine of the 30 institutions for elderly people in Kitakyushu, Japan.

SUBJECTS

Four hundred and eighteen of the 1,096 subjects who were dentate at the baseline examination.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Factors that influenced tooth loss and edentulism.

RESULTS

In both sexes, older subjects had fewer remaining teeth at baseline. Males lost more teeth than females, and edentulism was also more likely in males than in females. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that the number of teeth, number of decayed teeth, periodontal pocket depth, and plaque index were significant predictors for the number of teeth lost. The incidence of edentulism was higher in males than in females. Stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that poorer mental health status, fewer teeth, having deep periodontal pocket, and poorer oral hygiene status were independently associated with the six-year incidence of edentulism.

CONCLUSIONS

Tooth loss in institutionalised elderly people in Japan is related to both poor oral health status and poor mental health status.