A Survey to Estimate the Prevalence of Tooth Loss and Denture Wearers in Subjects of Different Age Groups of South Coastal Karnataka Region

INTRODUCTION: Advancement in age brings into countless new health problems along with the exacerbation of existing ones. Dental awareness has led to decrease in edentulousness in elderly people. The reasons of tooth loss also differs in different age groups. AIM & OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of tooth loss and denture wearers in various age groups along with the evaluation of the reasons for tooth loss. MATERIALS & METHOD: This questionnaire based study was conducted in the patients visiting the department of Prosthodontics Crown and Bridge & Implantology. Subjects were interviewed and examined clinically by a single examiner. A representative convenience sample of 150 patients in age groups of 40-50, 50-60 and 60-70 years were included in the study. Descriptive statistics were applied and the Chi-square test was used to analyse the findings using SPSS version 17.0. RESULTS: Tooth loss was found to be maximum in age group of 60-70 years and almost 64% wore complete dentures. The patients in age group of 40-50 years had maximum percentage of natural teeth (60%). The poor periodontal support was the main cause of tooth loss in almost 74% patients in age group of 60-70 years. Caries was the predominant cause of tooth loss in age group of 40-50 years. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of tooth loss and denture wearers is maximum in bigger age groups. Loss of periodontal support is the main cause of tooth loss as age advances while caries being the major cause in young individuals.