The absence of functional dentition is associated with the lack of commitment to oral functions among Brazilian adults

Abstract

The scope of this study was to identify if the absence of functional dentition (FD) is associated with a lack of commitment to oral functions/ daily activities among Brazilian adults. For this purpose, data from the National Survey of Oral Health (referred to as SB Brasil 2010) was used. FD was evaluated by the criterion proposed by the WHO (at least 20 teeth in the mouth). The Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) questionnaire was used to evaluate daily activities/oral functions. Descriptive, bivariate (chi-squared) and multiple (logistic regression) analysis was conducted, and the odds ratio estimated with a 95% confidence interval (OR/CI95%). The research evaluated 9,564 adults, of which 2,200 adults (20.5%) were considered to have poor FD, and at least one of the daily activities/ oral functions evaluated had an impact among 55% of adults. The lack of FD between adults was associated (p ≤ 0.05) with the impact on speech (1.88/1.33-2.64) and being ashamed to smile or talk (1.35/1.00-1.83). A considerable prevalence of lack of FD was identified, this absence being associated with the lack of commitment to the daily activities/oral functions. Dental rehabilitation of patients with a lack of FD should consider the restoration of these lost oral functions (speech and being ashamed to smile or talk).