The Perspective of Pakistani Adults Regarding the Consequences of Missing Teeth

Abstract

Objective: To determine the recognition level of the consequences of missing teeth in Pakistani adults.

Study Design: Cross-Sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi Pakistan, from Jul to Dec 2019.

Methodology: A well-structured and validated questionnaire filled by 652 partially dentate patients was included in the study.

Results: Despite having some education, the individuals showed poor knowledge of the consequences of missing teeth. Only 184 (28.2%) and 221 (33.9%) were aware of supra-eruption and drifting, respectively. 330 (50.6%) and 269 (41.3%) were unaware of the temporomandibular joint problems and speech difficulties. However, the majority were aware of masticatory problems, 562 (86.2%) and 460 (70.6%) self-confidence issues. There was no significant association (r=-0.70, p=0.7) and (0.03, p=0.9) between gender with number and aetiology of missing teeth. At the same time, a moderate relationship (rho=0.7) with no significant difference (p=0.08) was found between gender and knowledge of consequences. A negative relationship (r -0.12)
with a significant difference (p<0.02) was found between education level and aetiology. Moreover, no significant association was found (rho -0.03, p=0.3) and (-0.06, p=0.6) between education level with number and knowledge about the consequences of missing teeth.

Conclusion: The knowledge and understanding of the general population on matters that are so important and relevant in the long run to each individual’s Oral Health-Related Quality of Life are of special concern. Therefore, it is essential for dentists and other health care providers to educate and remember the importance of knowing the inevitable consequences of.....