Trends in Caries, Tooth Loss in Hispanics/Latinos Observed

Trends in Caries, Tooth Loss in Hispanics/Latinos Observed

In an effort to prepare for projected population growth among Hispanics and Latinos in the United States—a demographic that’s expected to increase from 16.7% to 30% by 2050—researchers sought to determine trends among these patient groups to ensure oral health professionals are able to provide necessary treatment now and in the future. The study, “The Prevalence of Caries and Tooth Loss Among Participants in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos,” was published in June in the Journal of the American Dental Association.

Previous US studies have not included a proper representation of Hispanic and Latino participants. For this reason, researchers sought to describe the prevalence and mean number of cavitated, decayed, and filled surfaces, as well as missing teeth and edentulism among these populations. During the study, investigators performed in-person exams and interviews with more than 16,000 participants over the course of 3 years. Participants, ranging in age from 18 to 74, were evaluated for missing, filled, and decayed teeth. The study was conducted by researchers from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, which is sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the National Institutes of Health.

Among the study participants, 20.2% to 35.5% experienced caries; 82.7% to 87% had decayed/filled surfaces; and 49.8% to 63.8% presented with missing teeth. The findings demonstrate that the oral health status of America’s Hispanic and Latino populations varies widely and that oral health professionals should consider the association between race and oral health status when delivering treatment. Furthermore, these data suggest that practitioners in certain regions with a high prevalence of Hispanics/Latinos may be able to anticipate a pattern of treatment needs.

Hygiene Connection E-Newsletter

July 2014