Objectives

The main objective of the study was to evaluate the frequency of edentulism (loss of some teeth is termed as partial edentulism whereas loss of all teeth is complete edentulism) in the Kingston, Jamaica. The secondary objective was to compare edentulism and oral health-related quality of life. To identify association of gingivitis among denture users.

Method

The study comprised about 569 individuals (18 years old and above) who were volunteer participants from seven communities from Jamaica. The participants were classified as maxillary/mandibular arch edentulousness; maxillary and mandibular arches edentulousness. Clinical assessments included: gingival health (modified Löe–Silness index), visible plaque and presence of calculus. Severity of gingival inflammation was classified into mild, moderate and severe gingivitis. Oral Health Impact Profile 14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire was used to compare the Oral Health Related Quality of life among edentulous patients.

Results

The prevalence of edentulism among the sample was 66% (375/569). The prevalence of edentulism was higher in females (70.3%, 211/300) in comparison to males (61.1, 161/265). The prevalence of edentulism increased with age. The prevalence of moderate gingivitis among edentulism was 55.6%. The prevalence of edentulism was highest among patients that indicated either very poor or poor quality of life in comparison those who indicated neither good or bad, good and very good quality of life. Approximately 22% of edentulism patients use a removal denture to eat or talk.

Conclusion

Frequency of edentulism increased with age. Moderate gingivitis type was most prevalent among edentulism. Majority of edentulous patients indicated between poor to very poor oral health related quality of life