Dental caries experience and its impact on quality of life in Latin American and Caribbean countries

Abstract Robust epidemiological data allow for logical interventions taken in the interest of public health. Dental caries is a major public health problem driven by increased sugar consumption and various biological, behavioral, and psychosocial factors, and is known to strongly affect an individual's quality of life. This study aims to critically review epidemiological data on the prevalence of dental caries in Latin American and Caribbean countries (LACC) and its impact on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of the population. Although the majority of national surveys did not include all age groups and several countries reported a reduction in the prevalence of cavitated carious lesions, most nations still exhibited a high burden of decayed teeth. OHRQoL evaluation was limited to children and older adults only, and was not included in any national survey. Study heterogeneity and methodological issues hindered comparison of evidence between studies and over time, and updating national level data on caries prevalence and its impact on OHRQoL should be prioritized in LACCs.

Factors associated with the need for a complete denture in one arch or both arches among the elderly population

Abstract: This study aimed to identify factors associated with the need for complete dentures in one dental arch or both, among the elderly population. The cross-sectional household study was conducted with a representative sample of elderly people (65 years or older) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, in 2015. The dependent variable was the need for complete dentures (in one arch or both), and independent variables were socioeconomic and demographic conditions, social capital, self-perception of oral health and access to dental services. Simple and multinomial logistic regression models tested effect measures (p < 0.05). A total of 5,948 elderly people participated. Results indicated that those with greater chances of needing a complete denture in one arch were male (OR = 1.54; CI95%:1.04-2.29), with fewer household goods (OR = 2.25; CI95%:1.50-3.38), lower monthly household income: R$501-1500 (OR = 3.44; CI95%:1.27-9.35), R$1501-2500 (OR = 4.11; CI95%:1.50-11.27), R$2501-4500 (OR = 2.76; CI95%:1.10-6.95), self-reported need for a complete denture (OR = 4.75; CI95%:3.08-7.35), ≥3 years since last dental appointment (OR = 1.80; CI95%:1.06-3.05), and dissatisfaction with last dental appointment (OR = 1.80; CI95%:1.06-3.05). There were more chances of the need for complete dentures in both arches among older elders (OR = 1.44; CI95%:1.06-1.88), with lower monthly household income: R$ < 501 (OR = 4.45; CI95%:1.71-11.60), R$501-1500 (OR = 4.01; CI95%:2.14-7.51), R$1501-2500 (OR = 2.95; CI95%:1.64-5.32), < 3 years of education (OR = 1.45; CI95%:1.13-1.85), feeling unhappy (OR = 2.74; CI95%:1.35-5.57), self-reported need for a complete denture (OR = 8.48; CI95%:5.75-12.50), dissatisfaction with their mouth (OR = 2.38; CI95%:1.64-3.46), ≥3 years since last dental appointment (OR = 4.28; CI95%:2.85-6.43), and dissatisfaction with last dental appointment (OR = 4.28; CI95%:2.85-6.43). The several dimensions of the determinants of the need for a complete denture reflect the influence of both demographic and socioeconomic aspects, social capital, self-perception of oral health and access to dental services.