PREVALENCE OF EDENTULOUSNESS AND ITS PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE

The aim of this review paper was to analyse the prevalence of edentulousness in different countries and its relevance for public health. Among 13 analysed countries, the highest prevalence of edentulousness was reported in Colombia (98.3%), and the lowest in Sudan (0.1%). Scientific papers dealing with the impact of edentulousness on public health (oral health, general health, and quality of life) were all based on subjective perceptions of the examinees and agreed among themselves only on the issues of swallowing difficulties and eating discomfort. After the analysis of the papers, a conclusion may be drawn that the prevalence of edentulousness was higher in less developed countries and in older examinees. The relevance of edentulousness for public health is considerable, since edentulousness, by means of its adverse effects on oral health, poses an indirect threat to general health and quality of life.