The effect of some missing teeth on a subjects’ oral health related quality of life

Objectives: To determine the impact of missing teeth on the level of Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL)in subjects reporting at a teaching dental hospital.

Method: Using a structured Performa incorporating the 12-item General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) Questionnaire, and a consecutive (non-probability) sampling technique, data relating to 182 subjects fulfilling the study inclusion and exclusion criteria were collected using the method of interview and examination.Subjects responses to each of the 12 items of the GOHAI questionnaire were recorded to determine the impact of missing teeth on OHRQoL. Each of the GOHAI item had a maximum score of 5 thus giving a total of 60 as the maximum score. A high score of GOHAI indicated better ORHRQoL. The ORHRQol of subject was taken as good when the GOHAI score ranged 57-60, average when 51-56and poor when <50.

Results: Subjects had a mean age of 35.6 ± 5.8 (S. Dev) with males as 50.5% compared to females (49.5%). The mean GOHAI score for all the subjects was 48.4 ± 8.2 as compared to the mean GOHAI score of 48.4 ± 8.2 for males and 47.6 ± 8.3 for females. The ORHRQoL was good in only 27%. A high proportion of subjects (53%) had poor OHRQoL. The number and the frontal location of the missing teeth adversely impacted OHRQoL. Missing maxillary anterior teeth had the most negative effect on OHRQoL. Missing mandibular first molar was the most common missing tooth either alone or in combination with other missing teeth among the subjects studied. The most important GOHAI items contributing to the adverse impact on the OHRQoL of the majority of subjects with some missing teeth were;often worried/concerned about dental problems and never having been pleased or happy with the look of their teeth and gum.

Conclusion: The adverse effect of missing teeth on OHRQoL was substantial necessitating the importance of preventing the condition of missing teeth or restoring when missing and maintaining the oral health of subjects.