Analysis of epidemiological trends of and risk factors for tooth loss among 35- to 44-year-old adults in Guangdong, southern China, 1995-2015

Background: This study analyzed an epidemiological survey of oral health status among a representative population of adults aged 35–44 years in Guangdong Province from 1995 to 2015. The main purpose of this study was to describe the distribution and trends in tooth loss, derive related risk factors, provide theoretical evidence to support research on tooth loss in adults, help other cities explore comprehensive tooth loss intervention projects, and provide a relevant policy basis for health care planning decisions. Methods The data of 1408 participants of three cross-sectional, representative oral epidemiological surveys in Guangdong Province in 1995, 2005, and 2015 were analyzed. Basic demographic information, socioeconomic status, caries and periodontal statuses, personal lifestyle factors, and dental health care behaviors were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression to estimate their associations with tooth loss. Results This study found that the mean number of missing teeth (MT) and the prevalence of tooth loss (MT > 0) among adults aged 35–44 years in Guangdong Province did not change significantly in the first decade (1995–2005) but decreased significantly in the second decade (2005–2015) (0.942 and 40.8% in 1995, 0.989 and 42.9% in 2005, and 0.628 and 33.3% in 2015, respectively). The mean number of MT by tooth position was highest for the first molar, followed by the second molar, and both were larger in the mandible than in the maxilla. Education level, caries, and periodontal pocket (periodontal probing depth ≥ 4 mm) in 1995 and 2005 and sex, residence, caries, and periodontal pocket in 2015 were significantly associated with the prevalence of tooth loss. Conclusions Although tooth retention has improved in recent decades (1995–2005), measures to prevent tooth loss in adults, especially first molar loss, need to be continued in the future. Moreover, efforts to prevent tooth loss among women, those living in rural areas, and those suffering from caries and periodontal pocket need to be strengthened.