Sex differences in association between tooth loss and socioeconomic status: The 8020 Promotion Foundation Study of Japanese Dental Patients

Abstract Background Socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with oral health status. Considering the differences in oral health and SES between the sexes, we examined the impact of factors such as education, economic status, employment type, and social support on tooth loss in patients with dental visits, separately for men and women. Methods This study was based on a survey of dental patients across Japan conducted by the Foundation for the Promotion of 8020 between 2014 and 2019. To determine sex differences in the association between number of teeth lost and SES, a modified Poisson regression analysis was performed with the number of teeth lost during 5 years as the dependent variable, separately for men and women. Results In total, 1,355 participants were included in the analysis. Among women, those with fewer years of education or temporary employment had a significantly higher ratio of means (RM) for the number of teeth lost. In addition, women with a higher subjective economic status or more social support had a lower RM for the number of teeth lost Conversely, there was no significant association among men. Conclusions The association between tooth loss and SES differs by sex. Women are more susceptible to the effects of SES-related factors on tooth loss compared to men.