Tooth loss in middle-aged adults with diabetes and hypertension: Social determinants, health perceptions, oral impact on daily performance (OIDP) and treatment need.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to explore the association between tooth loss and social determinants, health self-perceptions, OIDP and self-concept of dental treatment need in middle-aged adults with diabetes and hypertension.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was developed with 212 hypertensive and diabetic middle-aged adults (50-65 years). Data were collected from clinical examinations (DMFT) and a questionnaire regarding socioeconomic status, dental health assistance, self-perceptions of oral and general health, OIDP, and the self-concept of dental treatment need. Tooth loss was dichotomized considering the cutoff point of 12 (Model I) or 24 missing teeth (Model II). Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Fisher's exact test and logistic regression (p≤0.05).

RESULTS

Tooth loss was significantly associated with variables such as last dental visit, reason for dental visit, OIDP, perception of dental treatment need, and general self-perception (Model I). Schooling, last dental visit, oral health self-perception and perception of dental treatment need were significantly associated with tooth loss in the Model II. When Model 1 and 2 were adjusted, they demonstrated that last dental visit and perception of dental treatment need were predictor variables.

CONCLUSIONS

The annual dental visit and the self-concept of dental treatment need were associated with tooth loss, demonstrating that these variables reduce the tooth loss prevalence.