Socioeconomic factors and complete edentulism for female patients at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

IntroductionEdentulism is the loss of all permanent teeth due to different biological and non-biological factors. Prevalence of edentulism varies considerably between countries, geographic regions and different patients' backgrounds.Purpose of the studyTo assess the relationship between socio-demographic factors and edentulism in a sample of patients in Riyadh.Materials and methodsThe sample comprised of 279 female patients, edentulous in either arches who attended King Saud University dental institution in the Riyadh region, patients filled out a questionnaire which covered their age, area of living, education level, monthly income, dental preventive attitudes and the reason of attendance.ResultsMajority of patients (44%) were uneducated, almost 60% of subjects had a monthly income of less than 3000 SR living mainly in south and east of Riyadh, 71.3% of subjects were considered to have a negative attitude. Increase in the dental preventive attitude was noticed as the degree of education increases.ConclusionThe study revealed a relationship between sociodemographic variables and complete edentulism with age, educational level and socioeconomic status playing a vital role in edentulism and denture demand.More emphasis should be given on improving educational and the socioeconomic status among citizens in south and east of the capital.