Tooth Loss among Cancer Patients: Prevalence and Factors Associated with the Position and Number of Missing Teeth

Abstract

Objective to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with tooth loss according to their number and position in cancer patients in southern Minas Gerais Brazil Methodology a cross-sectional study with a sample of 441 adults undergoing cancer treatment The outcome was obtained by clinical evaluation of tooth loss categorizing the participants into i having functional dentition FD presence of 20 or more teeth without anterior losses ii having FD with anterior losses iii not having FD Independent variables included socioeconomic situation health-related habits general and cancer-related health oral health and dental care Bivariate and multiple multinomial logistic regression models were used in data analysis with i as the reference group Results 27 29 presented FD without anterior losses 6 04 had FD with anterior losses and 66 67 did not have FD There was a strong possibility of having FD with anterior loss for those who have an income 1 minimum wage OR 0 04 CI95 0 01-0 80 and those who did not report flavor alteration OR 0 31 IC95 0 10-0 90 Individuals with a greater chance of not having FD were older subjects OR 1 06 CI95 1 02-1 10 less educated OR 0 15 CI95 0 02-0 81 those who use prosthesis OR 63 97 CI95 20 22-202 22 those with no periodontal pockets OR 0 17 CI95 0 07-0 43 and those who brush their teeth 3x day OR 0 22 IC95 0 09-0 53 Conclusion tooth loss including anterior losses has a relevant impact on this population and socioeconomic and oral health conditions are determinants of this outcome