Factors associated with edentulousness in an elderly population in Valencia (Spain).

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of edentulism and its association with various socioeconomic factors and oral health habits in the population aged 65-74 years old in the region of Valencia. METHODS A cross sectional study was designed. Thirty-four primary health centers and five nursing homes were chosen at random in the region of Valencia (10-15 voluntary participants per sampling point). Clinical examinations were carried out by three calibrated dentists (kappa>0.85) in the same centers. The total sample consisted of 531 individuals (235 men and 296 women). RESULTS The percentage of toothlessness was 20.7% and the mean number of natural teeth present was 14.92. The prevalence of edentulism was significantly higher (p <0.05) in men, institutionalized persons, those with no schooling, those with poor oral hygiene, those who visited the dentist regularly and those living in peri-urban/rural areas. In a multivariate logistic regression model with edentulism as the dependent variable, the following factors were identified as significant independent variables: institutionalization (odds ratio [OR]=2.88), poor oral hygiene (OR=2.35), regular visits to the dentist (OR=2.34) and age (OR=1.19). CONCLUSION Edentulousness is a complex phenomenon that involves distinct social and economic factors.