Socioeconomic factors and complete edentulism for female patients at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Edentulism is the loss of all permanent teeth due to different biological and non-biological factors. Prevalence of edentulism varies considerably between countries, geographic regions and different patients backgrounds. Purpose of the study: To assess the relationship between socio-demographic factors and edentulism in a sample of patients in Riyadh. Materials and methods: The sample comprised of 279 female patients, edentulous in either arches who attended King Saud University dental institution in the Riyadh region, patients filled out a questionnaire which covered their age, area of living, education level, monthly income, dental preventive attitudes and the reason of attendance. Results: Majority of patients (44%) were uneducated, almost 60% of subjects had a monthly income of less than 3000 SR living mainly in south and east of Riyadh, 71.3% of subjects were considered to have a negative attitude. Increase in the dental preventive attitude was noticed as the degree of education increases. Conclusion: The study revealed a relationship between sociodemographic variables and complete edentulism with age, educational level and socioeconomic status playing a vital role in edentulism and denture demand. More emphasis should be given on improving educational and the socioeconomic status among citizens in south and east of the capital.