Prevalência e fatores associados à necessidade de próteses removíveis em idosos brasileiros

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to identify the prevalence and factors associated with the need for removable prostheses in the elderly Brazilian population. In addition, its impact on eating difficulties and self-perceived oral health was determined. Background: The consequences of tooth loss include impaired chewing, digestion, phonation, and poor aesthetic. In this context, using current data to identify the need for removable dentures and the factors influencing it may assist in the implementation of public policies to minimize tooth loss and its consequences. Methods: This cross-sectional, populationbased study used data from the last National Health Survey (PNS) carried out in Brazil. Chi-square test was used to initially analyze the data, followed by multiple Poisson regression to obtain adjusted prevalence ratios. Results: A total of 11,697 elderly people were included, of whom 90.8% needed removable prostheses. Complete dentures were needed in 40.9% of patients, while partial dentures were needed by 49.9%. The elderly who were older (p=0.001), had grayish-brown complexion (p=0.004), a low level of education (p<0.001) , and multiple chronic diseases (p<0.001) had a greater need for removable prostheses. Successively, this need had an impact on poor self-perceived oral health (p<0.001) and greater difficulties in eating (p<0.001). Conclusion: The need for a removable prosthesis is associated with worse socioeconomic and health conditions. In addition, it has a negative impact on self-perceived oral health and feeding.