Association between self-reported and clinical oral health status in Belarusian adults

Poor Self-Rated Oral Health Status and Associated Factors Amongst Adults in Algeria

BACKGROUND

Understanding the proportion and correlates of self-rated oral health (SROH) can assist in prioritising interventions. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of poor SROH and associated factors in a national community survey amongst adults in Algeria.

METHODS

This World Health Organisation (WHO) STEPS cross-sectional survey in Algeria in 2016 and 2017 included 6989 people (18-69 years; median age, 37 years) selected by multistage cluster sampling. The assessment included questionnaire information, physical measures, and biochemistry tests. The measures included questions on SROH, oral conditions, oral health behaviour, general health behaviour, and measures of health status.

RESULTS

The sample included 6989 people aged 18 to 69 years. Of the total sample, 17.1% had removable dentures, 35.5% had 0 to 19 natural teeth, 43.9% had dental pain in the past year, 40.5% had impaired oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), 26.9% cleaned their teeth 2 times/d or more, 79.6% used toothpaste, and 41.2% had visited a dentist in the past year. The prevalence of poor SROH was 37.3%. In the final logistic regression model, older age (45-69 years) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.65), having removable dentures (AOR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.14-1.87), dental pain (AOR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.82-2.57), impaired OHRQoL (AOR, 2.69; 95% CI, 2.26-3.20), current smokeless tobacco use (AOR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.12-1.89), and inadequate fruit and vegetable intake (AOR, 2.69; 95% CI, 2.26-3.20) increased the odds of poor SROH. Men (AOR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.65-0.90), having 20 or more teeth (AOR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.28-0.42), twice or more a day teeth cleaning (AOR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.60-0.86), and using toothpaste (AOR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.55-0.82) were protective against poor SROH.

CONCLUSIONS

Adults in Algeria reported a high prevalence of poor SROH, and several associated factors (sociodemographic, oral conditions, oral and general health-compromising behaviour) were found that can guide in oral health promotion strategies in Algeria.

Self-Rated Oral Health as a Valid Measure of Oral Health Status in Adults Living in Rural Australia

It is unclear how well self-rated oral health (SROH) reflects actual oral health status in the rural Australian population. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the clinically assessed oral health status and SROH of adults living in rural Australia. The data were from 574 participants who took part in the Crossroads II cross-sectional study. Three trained and calibrated dentists evaluated the oral health status of participants based on WHO criteria. SROH was assessed with the question 'Overall, how would you rate the health of your teeth and gums?', with a score ranging from excellent = 5 to poor = 1. A logistic regression analysis (LRA) was performed, allowing us to assess factors associated with SROH. The mean age of participants was 59.2 years (SD 16.3), and 55.3% were female. The key results from the LRA show poorer SROH in those with more missing teeth (OR = 1.05; 95% CI; 1.01-1.08), more decayed teeth (OR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.11-1.46), and more significant clinical attachment loss of periodontal tissue (6mm or more) (OR = 2.63; 95% CI: 1.29-5.38). This study found an association between negative SROH and clinical indicators used to measure poor oral health status, suggesting that self-rated oral health is an indicator of oral health status. When planning dental healthcare programs, self-reported oral health should be considered a proxy measure for oral health status.

Trends in Self-Rated Oral Health and Its Associations with Oral Health Status and Oral Health Behaviors in Japanese University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study from 2011 to 2019

Self-rated oral health (SROH) is a valid, comprehensive indicator of oral health status. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to analyze how oral health behaviors and clinical oral status were associated with SROH and how they had changed over the course of nine years in Japanese university students. Data were obtained from 17,996 students who underwent oral examinations and completed self-questionnaires from 2011 to 2019. Oral status was assessed using the decayed and filled teeth scores, bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth, the Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S), oral health behaviors, and related factors. SROH improved from 2011 to 2019. The logistic regression model showed that university students who were female and had a high daily frequency of tooth brushing, no BOP, no decayed teeth, no filled teeth, and a low OHI-S score and were significantly more likely to report very good, good, or fair SROH. An interaction effect was observed between survey year and regular dental check-ups (year × regular dental check-ups). The improvement trend in SROH might be associated with changes in oral health behaviors and oral health status.

Association between clinical oral health status and perceived oral health in different age groups

Objective

The perceived oral health refers to the very own perception of a person's oral health (OH). This study aims to explore the association of perceived oral health status (PSR-OHS) with clinically determined OHS in three age groups: young adults, adults and older adults. This study also aims to identify demographic, socio-economic and/or clinical factors that influence PSR-OHS.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in ten different dental hospitals of Pakistan. The one-way ANOVA test was used to analyze patient's demographic distribution with PSR-OHS and oral functions. The complex sample general linear model was used to determine association between clinical OH and PSR-OHS. Analyses of each age group were conducted separately.

Results

A total of 1,804 outdoor patients participated in the study, out of which 660 were young adults, 685 adults and 459 were older adults. Overall self-perception of all age groups about their oral health was 'good' (mean = 3.71). Female gender and education status were a significant factor in young adults and adults. Family income affected PSR-OHS of only the adult age group. Frequent visit to dental clinic and preventive reason of dental attendance were associated with good PSR-OHS. DMFT score, prosthesis score and periodontal score also affected the PSR-OHS of individuals. Association between PSR-OHS and clinical examination was confirmed by complex general linear model.

Conclusion

There are differences in the perceived oral health status of young adults, adults and older adults. The variables, age, education, family income, DMFT score, prosthesis score and periodontal score directly influence the self-perception of individuals.

Clustering of Signs and Symptoms of Oral Diseases in a Colombian Population

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to estimate disease pattern clusters and co-occurrences of oral signs and symptoms in a Colombian population.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out through a telephone survey amongst 1155 people registered in the telephone directory from Pasto, Colombia. The calls were made from July to November 2019. A 14-item self-report questionnaire about signs and symptoms related to oral diseases that included sociodemographic characteristics was employed. Descriptive and multivariable analyses such as hierarchical clustering, multidimensional scaling, and generalized linear models were used to determine co-occurrences in different sex and age strata.

RESULTS

Age- and condition-specific clusters of signs and symptoms were identified, while sex differences were limited. Calculus and denture sore mouth were related in 18- to 34-year-olds; tooth loss and calculus in 35- to 54-year-olds, and teeth holes or pits (dental caries) and dental abscess in those aged 55 years and older. We found stronger associations between periodontal disease (bleeding gums) and dental caries (odds ratio [OR], 2.484; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.812-3.405; P < .001) as well as grinding/clenching and facial tension (OR, 7.162; 95% CI, 5.227-9.814; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Age-specific clustering of signs and symptoms and diagnostic patterns wer present in ths Colombian cohort.

Exploring salutogenic factors supporting oral health in the elderly

AIM

To explore associations between salutogenic factors and selected clinical outcome variables of oral health in the elderly, combining Antonovsky's salutogenic theory and the Lalonde Health Field concept.

METHODS

The subjects comprised 146 individuals, aged 60 years and older, who had participated in a population-based epidemiological study in Sweden, 2011-2012, using questionnaire and oral examination data. A cross-sectional analysis used the selected outcome variables, such as number of remaining teeth, DMFT-index and risk assessment, and salutogenic factors from the questionnaire, clustered into domains and health fields, as artifactual-material, cognitive-emotional and valuative-attitudinal. This selection was based on findings from our previous analysis using a framework cross-tabulating two health models. The purpose was to facilitate analysis of associations not previously addressed in the literature on oral health. Bivariate and Multiple Linear Regression analyses were used.

RESULTS

Numerous salutogenic factors were identified. Significant associations between outcome variables and salutogenic factors previously unreported could be added. Regression analysis identified three contributing independent factors for 'low DMFT'.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the usefulness of a salutogenic approach for analysing oral health outcomes, identifying university education, the importance of dental health organization recall system and close social network, as important salutogenic factors. The large number of salutogenic factors found supporting oral health among the elderly indicates the complexity of salutogenesis and the need for robust analysing tools. Combining two current health models was considered useful for exploring these covariations. These findings have implications for future investigations, identifying important research questions to be explored in qualitative analyses.

Do changes in income and social networks influence self-rated oral health trajectories among civil servants in Brazil? Evidence from the longitudinal Pró-Saúde study

BACKGROUND

Social factors are important determinants of health. However, evidence from longitudinal studies on the possible role of changes in socioeconomic circumstances on adult's oral health is scarce. This study aimed to test whether changes in income and changes in social networks of family members and friends were associated with trajectories of self-rated oral health (SROH) among adults over a 13-year period.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study (Pro-Saude Study) was conducted involving non-faculty civil servants at university campi in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Individual data was collected through self-completed questionnaires in four waves (1999, 2001, 2007 and 2012). SROH trajectories between 2001 and 2012 were "Good-stable SROH", "Changed SROH", "Poor-stable SROH". Per capita family income and social networks of family members and friends data obtained in 1999 and 2012 were grouped into "High stable", "Increase", "Decrease", "Low stable". Ordinal logistic regression using complete data of 2118 participants was used to estimate odds ratio (OR) and 95% CIs of changes in income and changes in social networks with SROH trajectories, adjusted for age, sex, skin colour and marital status.

RESULTS

Participants in the low income-stable and small social networks-stable groups showed 2.44 (95% CI 1.68-3.55) and 1.98 (95% CI 1.38-2.85) higher odds for worst trajectory of SRHO than those in the respective high-stable groups. Those in the decrease income group and decrease social networks group were 78% (95% CI 1.25-2.54) and 58% (95% CI 1.07-2.34) more likely to worst trajectory of SRHO than those in the high income-stable and high social networks-stable groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Adults reporting low income and low social networks of family members and friends over 13 years and those with income and social networks decrease during the study period were at higher risk of having worsened their self-rated oral health.

[Association between diet of the vegan population and self-perception of periodontal state in Metropolitan Lima]

OBJECTIVE

to determine the association between vegan diet and self-perceived periodontal status in a vegan population of Metropolitan Lima, Peru.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

a total of 240 people (120 vegans and 120 non-vegans) were surveyed in this study during the months of August to December 2020 in a virtual way. To evaluate self-perception of periodontal status and oral hygiene habits, the self-report of periodontal disease was used, which is validated with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.77. In addition, other variables such as age, sex, socioeconomic level, educational level, and tobacco consumption were registered. A Poisson regression with robust variance estimator was used both for the association of variables, and prevalence ratios were reported in a crude and adjusted model. The confidence level was 95 % and the significance level was p < 0.05.

RESULT

a statistically significant association was found between the appearance of reddish and/or swollen gums (PR = 0.67; 95 % CI: 0.25-0.54) and poor perception of the state of the gums (PR = 0.43; 95 % CI: 0.33-0.56) with the vegan diet. Finally, for the gum bleeding dimension during brushing, no statistically significant differences were observed between vegans and non-vegans.

Self-Rated Oral Health and Associated Factors among an Adult Population in Rural India-An Epidemiological Study

BACKGROUND

To determine the perception of oral health status and its associated factors among adults living in rural areas in Karnataka state, India.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults in the age group of 35-54 years old residing in villages in a southern state in India. The main outcome measure was poor self-rated oral health (SROH) among adults in rural India.

RESULTS

About 873 adults participated in the study. The prevalence of poor SROH was 15.2%. Adults of age 40-44 years, females, those in lower socioeconomic conditions, and those with high caries experience (DMFT ≥ 4) and periodontal disease were associated with poor SROH. Those who had visited a dentist in the previous one year were 1.9 times more likely to report poor oral health.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly 15% of rural people reported poor oral health. Socioeconomic conditions, sex, age, smoking, and dental visiting were associated with poor SROH. People's perception of poor oral health was associated with severe periodontitis and DMFT ≥ 4. A dose-response relationship was observed between experience with dental caries and poor SROH.

Oral Health and Oral Health Service Utilization in Native and Immigrant Population: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from the PELFI Cohort in Spain

This study analyzes associated factors to self-perceived oral health and use of oral health services in native and immigrant adults from the PELFI cohort in Spain. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted (401 adults ≥ 18 years, from Spain, Ecuador, Colombia and Morocco). Frequencies for sociodemographic, self-perceived general and oral health variables were calculated. The association between oral health/oral health services use and origin country was estimated by logistic regression (adjusted odds ratio-aOR-; 95% confidence intervals -95%CI-). Ecuadorian men were more likely to report dental caries (aPR 2.75; 95%CI 1.30-5.80) and Moroccan women were more likely to report gingival bleeding (aPR 3.61; 95%CI 1.83-7.15) and the use of oral health services ≥ 1 year/never (aPR 1.69; 95%CI 1.06-2.69). Colombian women were less likely to report missing teeth (aPR 0.73; 95%CI 0.56-0.95). Poor self-perceived oral health indicators were observed in immigrants and were modified for sociodemographic and general health variables.

Trends in Self-Rated Poor Oral Health Among all Age Populations in Korea from 2007 to 2015: Monitoring Expansion of Dental Insurance

OBJECTIVES

This study explored trends in self-rated poor oral health (SRPOH) from 2007 to 2015 among all age groups to monitor changes after the expansion of dental insurance.

METHODS

Repeated cross-sectional data from 2007 to 2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were collected and analysed. The respondents (n = 20,199) were categorised into four age groups: 0-19, 20-44, 45-64, and ≥65 years. The outcome variable was SRPOH, with independent variables being socioeconomic factors, sex, household income, and education. The age-sex standardised prevalence rate was calculated to determine trends, and complex samples logistic regression analysis was performed to confirm the factors affecting SRPOH.

RESULTS

Self-rated poor oral health prevalence decreased significantly from 2007 to 2009 (25%) to 2013 to 2015 (14%) in the age groups of 0-19 and 20-44 years (P < 0.05), whereas the SRPOH prevalence in the age groups of 45-64 and ≥65 years did not undergo any significant changes. Although the prevalence decreased by 6% among older adults, over 40% older women still experienced SRPOH. A sex gap increased with age but did not change over time. SRPOH was strongly associated with sex, income, and education across all age groups; the association did not notably change from 2007 to 2015.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-rated poor oral health improved among younger people in Korea. The gender gap in the prevalence increased with age and persisted over time. However, income was the strongest determinant of SRPOH among all age groups, regardless of dental insurance expansion. Further studies should aim to draw causal inferences to explore the policy impact of dental insurance benefits.

Changes in income-related inequalities in oral health status in Ontario, Canada

OBJECTIVES

Oral health inequalities impose a substantial burden on society and the healthcare system across Canadian provinces. Monitoring these inequalities is crucial for informing public health policy and action towards reducing inequalities; however, trends within Canada have not been explored. The objectives of this study are as follows: (a) to assess trends in income-related inequalities in oral health in Ontario, Canada's most populous province, from 2003 to 2014, and (b) to determine whether the magnitude of such inequalities differ by age and sex.

METHODS

Data representative of the Ontario population aged 12 years and older were sourced from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) cycles 2003 (n = 36,182), 2007/08 (n = 36,430) and 2013/14 (n = 41,258). Income-related inequalities in poor self-reported oral health (SROH) were measured using the Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and Relative Index of Inequality (RII) and compared across surveys. All analyses were sample-weighted and performed with STATA 15.

RESULTS

The prevalence of poor SROH was stable across the CCHS cycles, ranging from 14.1% (2003 cycle) to 14.8% (2013/14 cycle). SII estimates did not change (18.7-19.0), while variation in RII estimates was observed over time (2003 = 3.85; 2007/08 = 4.47; 2013/14 = 4.02); differences were not statistically significant. SII and RII were lowest among 12- to 19-year-olds and gradually higher among 20- to 64-year-olds. RII was slightly higher among females in all survey years.

CONCLUSION

Absolute and relative income-related inequalities in SROH have persisted in Ontario over time and are more severe among middle-aged adults. Therefore, oral health inequalities in Ontario require attention from key stakeholders, including governments, regulators and health professionals.

Patients' perception of their oral and periodontal health and its impact: a cross-sectional study in the NHS

Aims To determine patient awareness of periodontal health, dentine hypersensitivity and tooth wear, and their impact on oral health quality of life in patients attending NHS practices in South West England.Method In this cross-sectional, multi-centre epidemiological study 814 adult NHS patients completed an oral health questionnaire and then underwent a clinical examination. Pocket probing depths (mm), gingival recession (mm), gingival bleeding (yes/no), dentine hypersensitivity (Schiff score, and yes/no) and tooth wear (basic erosive wear examination score) were measured.Results Participants were regular dental attenders, with good oral hygiene practices and a low prevalence of periodontal disease (probing depth of 4 mm or more) (25%). For all conditions assessed, self-reported data and clinical indices were significantly positively associated, with the strongest associations being seen for dentine hypersensitivity and the weakest for tooth wear. Periodontal disease and dentine hypersensitivity were significantly associated with all four patient-reported measures of oral health quality of life studied.Conclusion This NHS patient population is well cared for and educated with respect to their oral health. The findings confirm the negative impact of periodontal disease and dentine hypersensitivity, and identifies the need to increase awareness of the signs and symptoms of tooth wear.

Self-rated oral health status and social and health determinants among community dwelling adults in Kenya

Background

The aims of this study were to estimate the self-rated oral health status and its associated factors in a national community dwelling population in Kenya.

Methods

A cross-sectional study based on a stratified cluster random sampling was conducted in 2015. The total sample included 4,459 individuals 18–69 years (M=40.4 years, SD=13.9). Questionnaire interview, blood pressure and anthropometric measurements, and biochemistry tests were conducted, including questions on the oral health status, general health status, oral health behaviour and socio-demographic information.

Results

Overall, 13.7% of participants reported poor self-rated oral health. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, older age (Odds Ratio-OR: 1.70, Confidence Interval-CI: 1.07, 2.69), having a lower number lover number of teeth (OR: 0.19, CI: 0.06, 0.62), having dentures (OR: 1.92, CI: 1.22, 3.03), having pain in the mouth or teeth (OR: 5.62, CI: 3.58, 8.90), impaired Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OR: 3.01, CI: 2.03, 4.47) and frequent soft drink consumption (OR: 3.62, CI: 1.89, 6.97) were associated with poor self-rated oral health.

Conclusion

High unsatisfied self-rated oral health status was found and several risk factors for poor self-rated oral health were identified that can help in guiding oral health care programming in Kenya.

Self-Rated Oral Health Status And Social And Health Determinants Among 35-65 Year-Old Persons In One Region In Myanmar: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Oral diseases may be a population health problem in Myanmar. Community-based surveys may help in the selection of risk groups that may require priority attention. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence and correlates of self-rated oral health (SROH) status in an adult community sample in Myanmar.

METHODS

The study design was a cross-sectional household survey in the Magway region Myanmar. In all, 633 persons aged 35 to 65 years, responded to questions on the oral health status, general health status, oral health knowledge and behaviour and socio-demographic information.

RESULTS

Overall, 13.6% of participants reported poor SROH, and 78.5% average or poor SROH. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, oral conditions (tooth loss, cavities, bleeding gums, and teeth that are sensitive to heat or cold), better oral health knowledge, dental care attendance, and skipping breakfast were associated with poor SROH.

CONCLUSION

A high proportion of poor or average SROH status was found and several associated variables were found that can facilitate in guiding oral health care programming in Myanmar.

Out-Of-Pocket Expenditures on Dental Care for Schoolchildren Aged 6 to 12 Years: A Cross-Sectional Estimate in a Less-Developed Country Setting

Aim: The objective of this study was to estimate the Out-Of-Pocket Expenditures (OOPEs) incurred by households on dental care, as well as to analyze the sociodemographic, economic, and oral health factors associated with such expenditures. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 763 schoolchildren in Mexico. A questionnaire was distributed to parents to determine the variables related to OOPEs on dental care. The amounts were updated in 2017 in Mexican pesos and later converted to 2017 international dollars (purchasing power parities-PPP US $). Multivariate models were created: a linear regression model (which modeled the amount of OOPEs), and a logistic regression model (which modeled the likelihood of incurring OOPEs). Results: The OOPEs on dental care for the 763 schoolchildren were PPP US $53,578, averaging a PPP of US $70.2 ± 123.7 per child. Disbursements for treatment were the principal item within the OOPEs. The factors associated with OOPEs were the child's age, number of dental visits, previous dental pain, main reason for dental visit, educational level of mother, type of health insurance, household car ownership, and socioeconomic position. Conclusions: The average cost of dental care was PPP US $70.2 ± 123.7. Our study shows that households with higher school-aged children exhibiting the highest report of dental morbidity-as well as those without insurance-face the highest OOPEs. An array of variables were associated with higher expenditures. In general, higher-income households spent more on dental care. However, the present study did not estimate unmet needs across the socioeconomic gradient, and thus, future research is needed to fully ascertain disease burden.

Self-reported oral health-related habits, attitudes and knowledge in adults from Portugal, Romania and Sweden-A comparative study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to compare the self-reported oral health knowledge, habits and attitudes of adults in Portugal, Romania and Sweden, each benefitting from a different oral health system.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1081 adults in the three countries, using an adapted version of the WHO oral health questionnaire. This survey took place between November 2015 and June 2016.

RESULTS

The mean age of the respondents was 46.85 with 95% CI (45.84, 47.86). Over 85% of the Portuguese and the Swedish, but only 55% of the Romanians, reported having 20 or more teeth left (P < 0.001). Most Swedes visit the dental office regularly, but only 50.5% of the Portuguese and 20.6% of the Romanians do so (P < 0.001). Interdental cleaning aids and fluoridated toothpaste were used the most in Sweden and the least in Romania. Daily consumption of sweets was lowest for Portugal and highest for Romania (P < 0.001), and daily intake of fresh fruits and vegetables was lowest for Sweden (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a difference between the three countries regarding oral health, diet, dental attendance and oral health-related quality of life, with Romania being in most need of improvement in these areas. The differences could be explained by the distinct healthcare systems adopted by the countries.

Association of Self-Perceived Oral Health and Function with Clinically Determined Oral Health Status among Adults Aged 35⁻54 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study aimed to analyse the association of self-perceived oral health status (OHS) and functions with clinical OHS in Korean adults aged 35–54 years. The study was designed as a cross-sectional study using data from the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2009). A total of 6605 subjects aged 35–54 years who completed the oral examination and questionnaires were included. An association of self-perceived OHS and functions with clinically determined OHS was confirmed by a complex-samples general linear model. Data on socioeconomic variables, i.e., household income and education level, self-perceived OHS and functions, such as chewing and speaking, were collected by trained interviewers. The clinical OHS was determined by trained dentists and included the number of untreated decayed teeth (DT); decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT); prosthetic and periodontal status. The combined score was estimated as the sum of self-perceived OHS and functions. Based on the estimation coefficient, the clinical variables that were most strongly associated with self-perceived OHS and functions were, in order, periodontal status, prosthetic status, DT, and DMFT. In addition, the combined score for self-perceived OHS and functions was associated with household income, education, and clinically determined OHS.

Socio-Economic Determinants of the Need for Dental Care in Adults

BACKGROUND

Oral health has improved in France. However, there are still inequalities related to the socio-economic status.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of dental care needs in an adult population and to identify the demographic, socio-economic and behavioral variables that may explain variations in this parameter.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis of the French SIRS cohort (n = 2,997 adults from the Paris region; 2010 data) was carried out to determine the prevalence of self-reported dental care needs relative to demographic, socio-economic and behavioral variables. A logistic regression model was used to identify the variables that were most strongly associated with the level of need.

RESULTS

In 2010, the prevalence of the need for dental care in the SIRS cohort was 35.0% (95% CI [32.3-37.8]). It was lower in people with higher education levels (31.3% [27.9-34.6]), without immigrant background (31.3% [28.0-34.6]) and with comprehensive health insurance (social security + complementary health cover; 32.8% [30.2-35.4]). It decreased as the socio-economic status increased, but without following a strict linear change. It was also lower among individuals who had a dental check-up visit in the previous two years. In multivariate analyses, the socioeconomic variables most strongly associated with the need for dental care were: educational attainment (OR = 1.21 [1.02-1.44]), income level (OR = 1.66 [1.92-2.12]) and national origin (OR = 1.53 [1.26-1.86]).

CONCLUSION

These results confirm that the prevalence of dental care needs is higher among adults with low socio-economic status. Education level, income level and also national origin were more strongly associated with the need for dental care than insurance cover level.

Differentiation of self-rated oral health between American non-citizens and citizens

BACKGROUND

Oral health disparities exist in the USA. However, little is known of the relationship between oral health disparity and citizenship. The aims of this study were: (i) to describe the differences in self-rated oral health (SROH) between adult American citizens and non-citizens (>20 years of age); and (ii) to test whether factors such as frequency of dentist visits and socio-economic status (SES) are differently associated with SROH in these two groups.

METHODS

The data used in this study were drawn from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2011-2012. Weighted logistic regression models were used to detect the strengths of the association between a series of predictors and SROH.

RESULTS

More non-citizens (59.54%) than their citizen peers (26.24%) rated their oral health as fair/bad. All factors analysed in this study were differently associated with SROH based on citizenship. More specifically, natural characteristics, such as ethnicity and age, were significantly associated with SROH among non-citizens, and SES was significantly associated with American citizens. Among non-citizens, Hispanic, Non-Hispanic Black and Asian subjects were more likely than Non-Hispanic White subjects to report their oral health as being 'good'. Family poverty level, education and the frequency of dentist visits were significantly associated with SROH among citizens.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study indicate that American immigrants report their oral health across most dimensions as being worse than do American citizens. Each explanatory factor may have a different strength of association with SROH in immigrants and citizens, which implies that different steps should be taken within these groups to reduce disparities in oral health.