Tooth loss among adults with and without presence of systemic diseases - Age and Gender matched case control study.

BACKGROUND

Systemic diseases contribute to tooth loss by affecting immunity, circulation, and bone health. While most studies focus on elderly, this study assesses tooth loss among adults with and without systemic diseases to support early care.

AIM: To assess tooth loss among adults with and without systemic diseases in age- and gender-matched cases and controls.

DESIGN

A case-control study was conducted among 280 adults (140 cases and 140 controls). Data on demographics, lifestyle factors (alcohol, smoking, oral hygiene), and systemic diseases were collected. Tooth loss was assessed using Tooth Loss Index. Statistical analysis included Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U test, logistic regression, and correlation analysis.

RESULTS

Cases had higher rates of alcohol use, smoking, and poor oral hygiene (p < 0.05). Tooth loss was significantly higher among cases (87.1 %) than controls (50 %), with greater mean missing teeth and higher Tooth Loss Index scores. Low education, alcohol, and smoking were significantly associated with increased tooth loss. Cases had nearly four times higher odds of significant tooth loss (OR = 3.82, p = 0.0001), with a strong positive correlation. (r = 0.82, p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Systemic diseases are strongly associated with increased tooth loss in adults, highlighting need for early oral health interventions.