Tooth loss, the wearing of dentures and associated factors in Sri Lankan older individuals

OBJECTIVE: To determine tooth loss, wearing of dentures and associated factors in older individuals from Sri Lanka. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey where the data were collected by means of an oral examination and an interviewer administered questionnaire. SETTING: Negambo within the Gampaha district of Sri Lanka. SUBJECTS: A total of 630 subjects who were aged 60 years and above. RESULTS: Only 11 subjects had all 32 teeth and 17% were edentulous. Age, gender and level of income were significantly associated with the number of missing teeth. Of those with missing teeth, 22% wore dentures. Only 16% of the non-denture wearers perceived a need for dentures. Among the non-denture wearers who perceived a need for dentures, a majority had cited 'cost' as the main barrier for obtaining dentures. Logistic regression analysis revealed that age, gender, levels of income and education and missing teeth were significant predictors of wearing of dentures. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of factors that influence tooth loss and wearing of dentures may have implications for oral health care planners in the provision and delivery of oral health services to the older individuals.