Author/Editor		Cvetko, E; Skalerič, U
Title		Radiološka analiza prisotnih zob v čeljustih glede na starost in spol preiskovancev
Translated title		Radiological analysis of tooth loss according to gender and age
Type		članek
Source		Zobozdrav Vestn
Vol. and No.		Letnik 57, št. 3-4
Publication year		2002
Volume		str. 83-7
Language		slo
Abstract		Tooth loss is a valid indicator of the oral health status of a population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of tooth loss as affected by the subjects' age and gender. We analysed a random sample of 1125 panoramic radiographs obtained from 509 male and 616 female patients (age range 18 to 68 years), which were filed at the Division of Stomatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana. For the analysis the subjects were divided into five age groups. The average proportion of retained natural teeth for the group as a whole was 75%, ranging from 88.6% in the youngest age group (18-31 years) to 56.2% in the oldest one (61-68 years). The average number of retained teeth, including 3rd molars, ranged from 28.8 in the youngest age group to 18.3 in the oldest one. The average rate of tooth loss, calculated for the group as a whole, was 0.25 teeth per person per year. Molars were the most frequently missing teeth in all age groups. As many as 27% of first lower molars were missing in the youngest age group, compared to 68 % in the oldest one. These findings are comparable to the results of studies conducted in urban areas of Western Europe. The data are not representative for Slovenia as a whole but only for those segments of the population that have good access to well-organized public dental health services. At present, the prevalence of dental caries in Slovenia is decreasing, but periodontal disease is on the increase. Therefore, efforts for the improvement of oral health should focus on the prevention and control of periodontal disease.
Descriptors		TOOTH LOSS RADIOGRAPHY, PANORAMIC ADULT SEX FACTORS AGE FACTORS