Factors Associated with Total Edentulism in Older Adults and Their Impact on the Self-Perception of Oral Health and Food.

PURPOSE: To identify the prevalence of and factors associated with total edentulism in the older Brazilian population and to verify whether edentulism influences self-perception of oral health and difficulty in eating. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional, population-based study used the database of the National Health Survey conducted in Brazil. Chi-square test was initially used for data analysis. Subsequently, a multivariate analysis of Poisson multiple regression type was performed to verify the adjusted prevalence ratios. RESULTS: A total of 43,554 older adults participated in the study, of whom 32% had completely lost their teeth. This total edentulism, based on the multivariate analysis, was associated with female gender, advanced age, illiteracy, smoking, and lack of health insurance or dental insurance (P < .001 for all). Total edentulism had an impact on better self-perception of oral health (P < .001) and greater difficulties in eating (P &#61; .001). CONCLUSIONS: Total edentulism in older adults is associated with worse socioeconomic conditions and a worse lifestyle. This condition has a negative impact on diet and positively affects self-perception of oral health.