Determinants of Tooth Loss in a Medicaid Adult Population

Published 07/29/2021

A new study published in JDR Clinical & Translational Research examines the determinants of tooth loss in a Medicaid-enrolled population using claims data from 2016-2018, helping dental care providers understand the risk of tooth loss in their patient population.

Among the findings:

  • Periodontal treatment is protective against tooth loss — especially reducing the odds of losing six or more teeth
  • Having comorbidity increased the odds of tooth loss compared to no comorbidity
  • Compared to zero comorbidity, having one, two, or 3+ comorbidities steadily increased the odds of tooth loss
  • Older African American and Hispanic patients had higher odds of six or more teeth loss compared to whites

This study provides strong evidence for policymakers to consider policy changes to prevent tooth loss. The evidence of periodontal treatment’s protective effect in the prevention of tooth loss can be used to emphasize the increase in Medicaid adult dental coverage to include periodontal treatment in all states.

Click here to view the article.
 

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