Factors associated with maintenance of teeth in adults in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil

This cross-sectional study investigated the association between the presence of 20 or more teeth and sociodemographic and economic variables, use of dental care, and self-perceived oral health in adults. The sample consisted of 1,612 individuals aged 35 to 44 years, representative of the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. In addition to the dental examination, subjects answered a questionnaire. Analysis in this study was limited to dentate individuals, divided into two groups (1 to 19 versus 20 or more teeth). The chi-square test and logistic regression were used (p < 0.05). Most individuals (72.1%) had more than 20 teeth. Less schooling was heavily associated with tooth loss, as were female gender, older age, rural residence, 5 or more people in the same household, low income, seeking treatment in the public health system, and seeking care due to toothache.