The regional distribution and sociodemographic characteristics of adults with Significant Tooth Loss

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to assess the applicability of the Significant Tooth Loss index as a new statistical indicator and to analyze the socio-economic factors of the participants included in the Significant Tooth Loss.Methods: This study used raw data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016-2018).The survey included 13,199 adults aged ≥19 years.The Significant Tooth Loss was defined as a group with more than a third quartile (top 1/4) of the total number of tooth loss.The Significant Tooth Loss index was defined as the mean tooth loss in the group.Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the socio-economic factors of the Significant Tooth Loss, and absolute and relative differences were calculated to confirm oral health inequality.Results: Among overall tooth loss in adults, the proportion of tooth loss in the Significant Tooth Loss was 83.8%.The Significant Tooth Loss index was a useful indicator to determine oral health statistics.Socio-economic factors that were associated with significant tooth loss were age, gender, region, household income, and education.Oral health inequality was observed based on household income and education.Conclusions: The Significant Tooth Loss index should be used to measure the level of oral health.Measures to reduce tooth loss should be investigated.