Education-Based Inequality in Edentulism and Functional Dentition Among Older Brazilian Adults: A Study Covering a Period of 20 Years.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of edentulism and functional dentition (FD) in Brazil and assess the magnitude of inequalities among older adults, according to education in 2003, 2010, and 2023.

Methods

This study used repeated cross-sectional data from individuals aged 65-74 years who participated in the national oral health surveys (SB Brasil) conducted in 2003, 2010, and 2023. Edentulism was defined as the loss of all permanent teeth, and FD as the presence of 21 or more teeth. Educational level was categorized as: 0 (no schooling), 1-4, 5-8, 9-11, and ≥ 12 years of study. Absolute and relative inequalities in edentulism and FD were assessed using the slope index of inequality (SII) and the relative index of inequality (RII) based on education. Generalized linear mod

SUBMITTER: Fonseca MLV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12789184 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature