Estimation and change of edentulism among Korean population: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2007-2018

• Published in: Epidemiology and health 2021, 43(0), , pp.1-8
• Main Authors: Yu, Na-Hyeon, Shin, AhRa, Ahn, Song Vogue, Song, Keun-Bae, Choi, Youn-Hee
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: edentulism; korea national health and nutrition examination survey; oral health; Original; prevalence; tooth loss; 예방의학
• ISSN: 2092-7193; 2092-7193
• DOI: 10.4178/epih.e2021020

To estimate the prevalence of edentulism according to sociodemographic variables of Korean adults between 2007-2018 and to analyze the trends. This study analysis was completed using raw data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2007-2018. Edentulism was defined as the absence of upper and lower teeth or the retained root of the missing teeth. For the prevalence of edentulism, complex sample frequency analysis and regression analysis were performed according to the sociodemographic variables to represent national population. Korean population structure in 2005 was exploited as a standard population to calculate age-standardized edentulism. The prevalence of edentulism in 2016~2018 was 9.72% in the Korean elderly and the change of age-standardized edentulism steadily declined over time. In particular, it decreased by about 20% in the period between 2016 and 2018 compared to 2007 for those in their 80s population. The trend of prevalence according to gender decreased significantly in women. According to the level of education, it showed the greatest decrease in the lowest group although the prevalence itself was higher than that of the upper education group. The prevalence of edentulism among Korean elder population has decreased over time 2007 from 12.8%. However, the concern on lower education group or men will be needed since those are still exposed to be in higher risk for edentulism.