RESUMO
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with tooth loss in adult population from Istanbul, Turkey. A sample of 2183 Turkish adults was randomly selected. Information was collected about socio-demographic characteristics, oral hygiene practices, sweet consumption habits, face-to-face interviews and then clinically examined by a single examiner. Bivariate analysis were conducted using chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the simultaneous impact of risk factors on tooth loss. The subjects' mean age was 39.4 years. Average tooth loss was found as 7.05. The overall educational level of subjects was low. 49% of the subjets reported not brushing their teeth regularly.The mean number of remaining teeth decreased significantly with age. Statistically significant difference was ascertained in chi-square analysis related to age,marital status,origin of birth place, education, occupation, number of children, tooth-brushing and sweet consumption. Logistic regression analysis showed age and irregular tooth-brushing as the risk factor affecting tooth loss. Tooth loss in an adult population from Istanbul, Turkey is related to age and irregular toothbrushing. Improve on oral care habits can decrease the tooth loss and improve the dental health of adults