[Impact of the edentulousness on the quality of life related to the oral health of the Congolese].

Background: No studies on the perception of tooth loss effects in their daily lives of edentulous were performed in Congolese Bantu.

Objectives: To assess the severity of the impact of edentulism on the quality of life of partially edentulous Congolese and analyze the influence of age, sex, missing teeth, the location of gaps and pairs of posterior dental occlusion in this impact.

Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the University Clinics of Kinshasa (CUK) and the Centre Boyambi Army Hi Kinshasa/Gombe. One hundred and eighty one edentulous adults and non-denture wearers clinically examined were asked to complete the questionnaire OHIP 14.

Results: Average severity was 11.67 ± 8.74 on a scale of 0-56. Statistically missing teeth, location of gaps and pairs of posterior dental occlusion residual alter this severity. The poor quality of life was noted in patients who had lost more than 5 teeth (17.04 ± 7.26), anterior losses (17.32 ± 9.42) and less than 4 pairs of posterior occlusion (17.84 ± 6.13). Difficult chewing and concern were the most reported items.

Conclusion: Severity of the influence of tooth loss on the daily life of Congolese people is low. All edentulous does not necessarily cause a very poor quality of life. Increasing the number of lost teeth, presence of anterior gaps and reduction of posterior occlusion pairs below 4 disrupt the quality of life of partially edentulous.