ABSTRACT
To assess the frequency of missing teeth [MT] among a sample of patients attending GMC Dental Specialty Center, and to identify the determinants of MT. A cross-sectional study was conducted between March-July, 2014 including 345 patients who were attending the GMC Dental Specialty Center in Ajman. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit the participants. An Interviewer administered questionnaire was used as a tool. Tooth loss was confirmed by oral examination. Information related to socio-demography, and factors related to teeth loss were inquired about. Occupation and brushing of teeth were used as socioeconomic and oral hygiene habit indicators. Data analysed by SPSS version 20, results presented in tables, figures. X[2] test was used to test the association with a significance level of P < /=0.05. The Study included 345 participants, who were mostly in age group of 20-29[36%], Female [52.6%], Non Arabs [77.4%], and Professionals [37.7%]. The frequency of MT amongst the participants was 75.1%. The frequencies of MT was higher in; older age group [>/=50Ys Vs < 30Ys = 89.1% Vs 56.7%, p < 0.05], males [male Vs females=79.8% Vs 70.7%, p =0.05],Non Arabs [Non-Arab Vs Arabs=75.3% VS 74.4%, p=0.86, manual workers [manual Vs professionals= 81.2% vs 66.9%,p value=0.05]. Lower brushing frequency and smoking habits were significantly associated with MT [p=0.007and p=0.001 respectively]. Tooth extraction was the most common mean for tooth loss [55.4%], Missing teeth is a frequent oral health problem. Age, gender, socioeconomic, lower oral hygiene and smoking habits are significant determinants of missing teeth