Tooth mobility among rural dwellers in Midwestern area of Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of tooth mobility among rural dwellers in Midwestern area of Nigeria.
Methods: Individuals of both gender attending free Medical Outreach in five rural communities in the Midwestern area (Delta and Edo State) of Nigeria constituted the study participants. Data was collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires and clinical examinations.
Results: Overall, 154 (45 males and 109 females) between the ages 5-88 years with mean age 33.44±2.34years participated in this study. Of the 154 participants studied, 18.8% had tooth mobility. This tooth mobility was significantly associated with age and geographical location but not with gender. In terms of severity, Miller grade 2 mobility was the most form (41.4%) and anterior teeth were involved than posterior teeth. Of the 154 participants studied, 18.8% had tooth mobility.
The mean debris, calculus and oral hygiene score among the participants were 1.50±0.65, 1.23±0.65 and 2.71±1.20 respectively. Participants with tooth mobility exhibited higher mean debris [1.69±0.59 versus 1.46±0.66], calculus [1.38±0.67 versus 1.19±0.65] and oral hygiene 3.06±1.19 versus 2.62±1.19] scores. Participants with tooth mobility were less likely to indulge in twice-daily tooth cleaning but more likely to have visited the dentist and experienced gingival bleeding.
Conclusion: Tooth mobility is common among the studied rural dwellers and the affected participants had poorer oral hygiene status and tooth cleaning practices. There is need to improve oral health access and practices in order to control the prevalence of tooth mobility among rural dweller.

Key words: prevalence, rural dwellers, tooth mobility, Nigeria