Can dentures improve the quality of life of those who have experienced considerable tooth loss?

Article Outline

• 1. Objectives
• 2. Methods
• 3. Results
• 4. Conclusions
• Copyright

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1. Objectives 

The aim of this study was to identify variations in the impact of oral health on quality of life (OHQOL) among UK residents in relation to self-reported number of teeth possessed and denture status. In addition, to determine whether recourse to a removable prosthesis for those who claimed that they had experienced considerable tooth loss (having <20 teeth) was associated with quality of life.

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2. Methods 

The vehicle for this was the Office for National Statistics Omnibus survey in Great Britain. A random probability sample of 2667 addresses was selected in a multistage sampling process. Participants were interviewed about their oral health status. The impact of oral health on quality of life was measured utilising the OHQoL-UK(W) measure.

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3. Results 

The response rate was 68%. Variations in OHQoL-UK(W) scores were apparent in relation to self-reported number of teeth possessed (P<0.001) and denture status (P<0.001). Moreover, disparities in OHQOL were apparent among those who experienced considerable tooth loss who did not have recourse to a denture (P<0.001). In regression analysis, those who claimed that they had <20 natural teeth but had no recourse to a denture were less than half as likely to enjoy enhanced oral health related quality of life compared to others in the population (OR=0.46, 95% CI 0.30, 0.71), controlling for socio-demographic factors.

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4. Conclusions 

Experience of considerable tooth loss without recourse to a removable dental prosthesis is an important predictor of oral health related quality of life, as captured by OHQoL-UK(W), and associated with reduced quality of life.—Reprinted with permission from Elsevier, Inc.