Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the validity of self-reported number of missing teeth. Subjective tooth loss was determined by respondents' reports of the number of missing teeth. The validity of respondents' report was assessed by comparing the reported number to the number determined by actual clinical examination. The results were as follows. 1. The actual number of missing teeth was significantly associated with age (r=0.397, n=145 ; p<0.001), but could not be estimated by age. 2 . Reported and actual number of missing teeth had a nearly curvilinear relationship represented by a quadratic function (R=0.832, n=137 ; p<0.001). A slight tendency towards underreporting of tooth loss was found for individuals with a moderate level of missing teeth. 3. The disagreement between the clinical examination and the self-assessment depended on age group, but not on gender. The validity of self-reported number of missing teeth was high in this adult group. The results suggest that the self-reporting of tooth loss may be useful for the promotion of the 8020 movement proposed by the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Study Group on Dental Health Measures for Adults.
