TOOTH LOSS AND TOOTH BRUSHING PRACTISES AMONG ADULTS OF DHARWAD, INDIA

BACKGROUND Tooth loss is an undesirable consequence of dental disease or trauma which affects the overall performance of the individual. So, retaining the natural teeth is important and this can be done by correct method of tooth brushing. However, tooth brushing practice varies from each induvial and in different geographic areas too. Thus, the aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of tooth loss and its relationship with tooth brushing practices among the adults of Dharwad district, India. METHODS This cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1, 223 subjects in which 685 were urban and 538 were rural subjects. Multi-stage cluster random sampling method was adopted. Self-designed proforma was used to collect the information on selected sociodemographic factors, tooth brushing habits like material, method and duration of brushing and finally on the number of missing teeth. Primary information was obtained by interview and clinical examination. Data was subjected to statistical analysis using descriptive statics, chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Overall tooth loss was 50.16%, out of this, 44.66% and 58.17% urban and rural subjects had tooth loss respectively. In urban area, type of cleaning (p<0.001), materials used (p<0.001), and method of brushing (p<0.01) were significantly associated with tooth loss. Logistic regression analysis showed that duration of brushing (p<0.05, odds ratio=1.24) was positively associated with tooth loss among the study subjects. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that, there is a significant association between tooth loss and tooth brushing practices. Hence, effective community-based steps should be taken to improve the correct tooth brushing practices which can prevent tooth loss.