Socio-demographic characteristics of young adults with anterior tooth loss

Abstract

Appearance has become an important issue in our modern society and more so among young adults with loss of anterior teeth influencing a person's smile and facial attractiveness. The aim of this study was to determine the socio-demographic determinants of anterior tooth loss as well as evaluate the pattern of anterior tooth loss and reason for loss of anterior teeth among young adults. This was a one-year retrospective study of patients within the ages 20 to 40 years who visited a dental outpatient clinic. A total of 2,794 case notes of patients aged between 20 and 40 years were retrieved for this study. A prevalence rate of 14.1% was observed for missing anterior teeth. The odds of having anterior tooth loss were 2.19 times higher when the young adult is a male. With regards to occupation; the odds of having anterior tooth loss were 0.41 times higher when the young adult is unemployed/student and 2.6 times higher when a semi-skilled than a professional. With a year increase in age of the young adults they are more likely to have anterior tooth loss. Oral health inequalities exist as anterior tooth loss among young adults is associated with gender, age and occupation of the individual. Trauma seems to be a leading cause of anterior tooth loss among young adults. It is pertinent that education on preventive measures to avoid trauma be made available on various media to reach this age group.

Keywords: anterior tooth loss, young adults, socio-demographic characteristics