Association between number and type of tooth loss on Oral Health Related Quality of life in 35-44 year olds in southeastern Iran.

Oral diseases can affect oral health related quality of life (OHRQol). The aim of the present study was to determine the association between the number and type of tooth loss on OHRQol in 35-44 year old individuals. This cross-sectional descriptive study conducted on 400, 35-44 year old people who visited Kerman clinics. Data were collected by using demographic and oral health behavior questionnaires, clinical examination (DMFT index) and the OHRQol questionnaire (OHIP-14). Data were analyzed in SPSS18, by t-test, X2 at 5% significance level. In the present study 206 (51.5%) were men, the mean age was 39.22±4.98 years and 52.0% had university education. The mean of DMFT and OHIP-14 scores were 13.3±4.5 and 18.6±8.3 (from 56) respectively. Men had lower OHRQol than women, but the difference was not significant. There was significant relation between educational level, oral health behavior, number and type of tooth loss and the OHRQol score. OHRQol was acceptable in this study and had a significant correlation with number and type of tooth loss. Further studies on other age groups is recommended. Keywords: oral health، quality of life, tooth loss, type of tooth loss, 35-44 years old، southeastern Iran