Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the causes and effects of tooth loss among the Edos in Nigeria.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 subjects of various age groups made up of male and female indigenes of Edo State. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire containing relevant questions directed to consenting individuals who met the inclusion criteria. Intraoral examination of all the participants was done. Data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 20.0.

Results: Dental caries topped the causes of tooth loss with 65% followed by periodontal disease with 32% and trauma 3%. An association was noted between tooth loss and socioeconomic status (p<0.05). The study did not reveal significant gender differences (p>0.05) in the causes of tooth loss. The findings revealed that an association (p<0.05) exists between educational status and tooth loss.

Conclusion: Dental caries is a major cause of tooth loss followed by periodontal disease amongst the Edos in Nigeria.

 

Keywords: Tooth loss, Dental caries, Periodontal disease