Natural Teeth Present and Quality of Life in Older Adults from Indigenous Communities in the Peruvian Amazon: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: To analyze the association between the number of natural teeth and quality of life, and to identify the prevalence of edentulism among older adults in two indigenous communities in the Peruvian Amazon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in adults over 60 years of age from the communities of Imacita and Yamayakat. Quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire adapted for indigenous communities, and the number of natural teeth present was recorded using a dental chart. RESULTS: A total of 54 participants from the Imacita community and 41 from Yamayakat were included. The prevalence of edentulism was higher in Yamayakat, n=18 (43.90%), compared to Imacita, n=14 (25.93%). The number of natural teeth present was significantly associated with satisfaction with general health (β = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.37-2.34; p0.001), perceived overall quality of life (β = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.14-1.95; p0.001), physical domain (β = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.51-1.10; p0.001), and social domain (β = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.26-1.18; p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: An association was observed between the number of teeth present and the quality of life of older adults, while the prevalence of edentulism did not show significant differences between the two communities. These findings highlight the need to implement interventions aimed at preventing tooth loss among indigenous older adults.