IJERPH, Vol. 16, Pages 3945: Factors Associated with Tooth Loss in Postmenopausal Women: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

IJERPH, Vol. 16, Pages 3945: Factors Associated with Tooth Loss in Postmenopausal Women: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph16203945 Authors: Pan Hsieh Chen Chen Many studies have indicated that menopause affects periodontal health and tooth loss. The possible mechanism might due to several hormonal changes and low bone mineral density (BMD) during the transition period. However, few studies have explored the role of oral hygiene in the number of remaining teeth (NRT) in postmenopausal women (PMW). The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of and factors associated with NRT less than 20 in PMW. A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in coastal Yunlin County, Taiwan. NRT was calculated based on natural and filled teeth. BMD was detected by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the collaborating hospital. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with NRT in rural PMW. Six hundred and ten rural PMW with mean age 65.4 years enrolled in this study. The mean NRT was 17.6 (standard deviation [SD] = 10.4), with 43.9% having <20 and 13.9% edentulous. More than half (65.9%) reported that they seldom brushed their teeth after meals, 79.2% rarely used dental floss, and 80% did not regularly undergo tooth scaling by a dentist. The majority of women had low BMD, including 48.7% with osteopenia and 20.7% with osteopor...
Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Article Source Type: research