Tooth loss and edentulism among south indian population

Abstract

Missing teeth impair the quality of life. It interferes with the process of mastication, aesthetics and other functions of the oral cavity. The presence of teeth in the oral cavity is a major consideration for the evaluation of the oral health of an individual. The aim of this study is to evaluate tooth loss and edentulism among the south Indian population. This is a retrospective study. Data of the patients who visited Saveetha Dental College between September 2019 and March 2020 were collected and searched for those who underwent full mouth extraction. The data was tabulated using the parameters of age, gender and the reason for edentulism (dental caries, periodontitis, others). All the data were tabulated and analysed with the use of the statistical software IBM SPSS version 20.0. Statistical analysis of the data was done using Chi square test. Within the limits of the study, it is proven that the prevalence of total edentulism is observed in the population above the age of 50 years. Total edentulism shows a male predilection where the main causes for tooth loss in an individual is the presence of dental caries and periodontal diseases.