Causes Of Tooth Loss And Its Psychological Effects Among Ghanaian Adults

Objective: To identify the self-reported causes of tooth loss and its perceived psychological effects on patients. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out among complete and partially edentulous patients attending the University of Ghana Dental School Clinic (UGDSC). Data was obtained by clinical examination and a questionnaire. Variables explored included the pattern of tooth loss, perceived causes, and respondents’ description of the psychological effect of the missing teeth. Data was analyzed using SPSS software, and descriptive statistics done and reported. Results: Study participants consisted of 144 (53.3%) females and 126 (46.7%) males. Ranging from 18 to 86 years, the mean age of the population was 45 (±6.2) years. The leading cause of tooth loss was dental caries (40.7%). Edentulism was more common among females (p<0.047). Fifty-six percent of the population had difficulty accepting their tooth loss and majority of them experienced emotional challenges including sadness, anger and depression. Conclusion: Dental caries is the commonest reported cause of tooth loss and results in considerable psychological trauma among patients.