Prevalence and associated factors of edentulousness in a group of community – dwelling Thai elderly

The purpose of this research was to investigate the prevalence and correlates of edentulousness among the Thai elderly living at home. This study was a baseline part of a longitudinal epidemiologic investigation of geriatric oral health. Subjects comprised of 522 older adults aged 51 years and over living at home in an urban community in Bangkok. Data were collected from a clinical oral examination and an interview. All 32 teeth were assessed for tooth loss status. Results show that, of the 522 older adults, 9.6% were completely edentulous and 9.2% were edentulous in only one arch. The oldest individuals and those with the least education and income were the most likely to be edentulous (p< 0.05). Multiple logistic regression showed a significant and independent association between edentulousness and age (OR = 5.93). Edentulousness on at least one dental arch was associated with age and income. In conclusion, socioeconomic factors were found to be associated with edentulousness in the cohort of urban older adults. Policy action needs to extend beyond health-related factors in order to reduce oral health inequalities among Thai elderly.