Factors associated with not using the lower denture and its impact on elderly Brazilians

Abstract

Introduction: A large part of the elderly characterizes rehabilitation with total prosthesis as satisfactory. However, some are dissatisfied due to difficulties with adaptation, mainly in relation to total mandibular prosthesis. Objective: To identify the prevalence and factors associated with not using the lower denture in the elderly. In addition, the impact of not using this prosthesis on self-perceived oral health and the difficulty of eating was verified. Methods: This is a population-based and cross-sectional study. For its realization, the database of the last National Health Survey carried out in Brazil was used. Initially, the Chi-square test was used for data analysis. Then, a multivariate analysis using Poisson multiple regression was performed to adjust the prevalence ratios. Results: 4,582 elderly Brazilians participated, of which 27.1% did not use the lower total prosthesis. Failure to use the prosthesis was associated with older elderly people (p=0.001), those without education (p=0.001), those who do not have health insurance (p=0.019), those who smoke (p=0.012) and those who they did not perform oral hygiene every day (p<0.001). Failure to use the lower denture impacted worse self-perceived oral health (p=0.001) and greater difficulties in eating (p<0.001).  Conclusions:Failure to use a lower denture is associated with worse socioeconomic conditions and a worse lifestyle, strongly linked to smoking. In addition, the non-use of the prosthesis has a negative impact on self-perception of oral health and food.