PATTERN OF TOOTH LOSS AND IT’S IMPACT ON ORAL HEALTH QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG PATIENTS IN LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL IKEJA LAGOS NIGERIA. (LASUTH).

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:The objective of this study was to determine the impact of tooth loss on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients in LASUTH based on their pattern of tooth loss.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This observational study, utilising a structured interviewer administered questionnaire followed by a clinical examination.Oral examinations were performed usingVVHO criteria for caries diagnosis- DMFT index.The instrument used to assess OHRQoL was °HIP-14. The OHIP-I4 scores ordinal to scale values and dichotomized into low, moderate and high impacts; statistical significance was set at 5% level.
RESULTS: Females made up a higher proportion of respondents presenting with tooth loss (76; 63.3%). Most missing teeth were in the maxilla (66; 55%) and dental caries was the most frequent cause of tooth loss (57; 47.5%). Poor aesthetics (38; 46.9%) was the most frequently cited reason for seeking prosthodontics care. Loss of premolars and molars were significantly associated with a high negative impact on OHRQOL (p<0.01). The most frequent high oral impacts were in the domains of self-consciousness due to missing teeth (23; 19.2%); embarrassment (20; 16.7%) and discomfort on chewing (20; 16.7%), while difficulty doing usual jobs was the least affected by high impacts (3; 2.5%). No socio-demographic characteristic was significantly associated with tooth loss.
CONCLUSION: Our analyses showed OHRQoL gradients consistent with the type of tooth lost with high impacts on oral function and pain experience.This demonstrates importance of masticatory inefficiency and chewing difficulties related to tooth loss.These findings suggest a need for oral health promotion strategies to prevent tooth loss and also to replace missing teeth.