Can dentures improve the quality of life of those who have experienced considerable tooth loss?

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify variations in the impact of oral health on quality of life (OHQOL) among UK residents in relation to self-reported number of teeth possessed and denture status. In addition, to determine whether recourse to a removable prosthesis for those who claimed that they had experienced considerable tooth loss (having <20 teeth) was associated with quality of life. Methods: The vehicle for this was the Office for National Statistics Omnibus survey in Great Britain. A random probability sample of 2667 addresses was selected in a multistage sampling process. Participants were interviewed about their oral health status. The impact of oral health on quality of life was measured utilising the OHQoL-UK(W)© measure. Results: The response rate was 68%. Variations in OHQoL-UK(W)© scores were apparent in relation to self-reported number of teeth possessed (P<0.001) and denture status (P<0.001). Moreover, disparities in OHQOL were apparent among those who experienced considerable tooth loss who didnʹt have recourse to a denture (P<0.001). In regression analysis, those who claimed that they had <20 natural teeth but had no recourse to a denture were less than half as likely to enjoy enhanced oral health related quality of life compared to others in the population (OR=0.46, 95% CI 0.30, 0.71), controlling for socio-demographic factors. Conclusions: Experience of considerable tooth loss without recourse to a removable dental prosthesis is an important predictor of oral health related quality of life, as captured by OHQoL-UK(W)©, and associated with reduced quality of life.