RESUMEN
AIMS: To investigate the relationship between tooth loss, age, gender, and its correlation with several local habits that affect oral health, especially the khat, and Shammah use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current study included 580 participants. They were divided into five age groups15-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, and 55-64-years-old. Clinical and radiographic examinations were done for each subject. Reasons for teeth loss, age, gender, khat chewing, Shammah use, smoking, and use of oral hygiene aids were recorded. The data were statically analyzed using Chi-square tests of the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) program. The p value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Caries was the most cause of tooth loss in the young age groups 15-34 years-old and was significantly more common compared to the older groups (p < 0.001). The periodontal diseases increased with age and progressively became the main cause of tooth loss of 100% in the 55-64 years-old group. Orthodontic reasons for tooth extractions were limited to the young age group 15-24 years old. Third molars were the highest extracted teeth in the maxillary arch, while the first molars were the highest in the mandibular arch. Anterior teeth were the lowest extracted teeth ranging from 9; 1.6% in maxillary teeth and 9-29; 1.6-5% in the mandibular teeth. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of local habitual use of khat 52.9% and Shammah 8.1% besides smoking in tooth loss. Caries was the main cause of tooth loss in the young age groups, followed by the periodontal disease in the older age. Molars were frequently extracted followed by maxillary first premolars. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Limited number of epidemiological surveys were carried out in Taiz Governorate to investigate the reasons of tooth loss and its relationship with social habits like Khat chewing, Shammah use, smoking, using of Miswake and toothbrush. The results of this study will guide us to develop a preventive program which may minimize tooth loss and its adverse effects.