The Prevalence and Factors Associated with Complete Tooth Loss and Dental Visits in Menopausal and Non-Menopausal Women: Insights from the CHARLS

Purpose: To assess the incidence of complete tooth loss and dental visits in menopausal women and to identify relevant influencing factors in China. Methods: This study analyzed data of 5,602 women sourced from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) during 2015. The incidence of complete tooth loss and dental visits in menopausal and non-menopausal women was explored. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models evaluated the relationships between demographic background, health status and function, health care and insurance, blood data and complete tooth loss and dental visits in menopausal women. The results were expressed as odds ratios (OR) of 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Risk factors for complete tooth loss in menopausal women included age (OR=1.09, 95% CI: 1.08-1.11), living in villages (OR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.29-1.93), smoke (OR=1.29, 95% CI: 1.01-1.65). Factors for dental visits in menopausal women included age (OR=0.99, 95% CI: 0.98-1.00), living in villages (OR=0.75, 95% CI: 0.64-0.88). Conclusion: This study found that menopausal women have higher rates of complete tooth loss and dental visits. Age, place of residence, and smoking are major risk factors for complete tooth loss, while age and place of residence influence dental visits, indicating that menopausal women should pay more attention to their dental health, improve compliance with dental visits, and actively intervene to prevent tooth loss.