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OBJECTIVE: To determine whether tooth loss relates to patient experiences of masticatory or aesthetic problems and is a useful measure of oral health and treatment needs and to compare experiences of tooth loss among middle-aged and older Danes.BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: Cross sectional online- and telephone interview questionnaire study.PARTICIPANTS: 1,060 Danish citizens aged 40 years or older.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Experiences of difficulties eating/enjoying food or smiling/showing of teeth due to tooth related problems within the last 6 months. Data analysis used tests of proportions and ordinal logistic regression.RESULTS: Half the participants had a full or almost full dentition. Among those with tooth loss, 21-44% reported difficulties eating/enjoying food. In ordinal logistic regression, difficulties eating were associated with being younger, having fewer teeth and having visibly missing teeth. Being unwilling to smile or show one's teeth was associated with being younger, having fewer teeth, having lower socioeconomic position and having visibly missing teeth. Wearing a prosthesis did not ameliorate eating difficulties or unwillingness to smile.CONCLUSIONS: Tooth loss is a meaningful measure of oral health but cannot stand alone. Many adults with even substantial tooth loss did not experience functional or aesthetic problems. Tooth loss is associated with negative masticatory and aesthetic experiences among middle-aged than older adults. Removable prostheses were not associated with better functional or esthetic outcomes.

Udgivelsesdato: Feb. 2008

Udgivelsesdato: Feb. 2008

Association for dental education in Europe (poster)

Association for dental education in Europe (poster)

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to describe the self-assessment of gingival health conditions in pregnant women, their oral hygiene behaviour and dental visiting habits, and to analyse self-care practices of pregnant women in relation to perceived gingival problems.MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group comprised 1935 pregnant women living in two areas of Denmark consecutively recruited from August 1998 to March 1999. The survey data were based on telephone interviews. Questions in the interview concerned general health, lifestyles, socioeconomic conditions, gingival conditions, oral hygiene and utilisation of dental health services.RESULTS: One-third of the study population perceived signs of gingival inflammation; 5% of the pregnant women assessed their gingiva as poor, while 95% reported good or "normal" gingival condition. Ninety six per cent brushed their teeth at least twice a day and nine out of 10 were regular users of the dental-care system. Twenty-seven per cent of those women with pregnancy gingivitis responded to the symptoms by, for example, seeing a dentist or intensifying the oral hygiene habits.CONCLUSION: Despite a high level of self-efficacy among the pregnant women as for oral health and oral health care combined with a high level of oral hygiene and dental visiting habits, there seems to be a substantial need for increased awareness of gingival oral health.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to describe the self-assessment of gingival health conditions in pregnant women, their oral hygiene behaviour and dental visiting habits, and to analyse self-care practices of pregnant women in relation to perceived gingival problems.MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group comprised 1935 pregnant women living in two areas of Denmark consecutively recruited from August 1998 to March 1999. The survey data were based on telephone interviews. Questions in the interview concerned general health, lifestyles, socioeconomic conditions, gingival conditions, oral hygiene and utilisation of dental health services.RESULTS: One-third of the study population perceived signs of gingival inflammation; 5% of the pregnant women assessed their gingiva as poor, while 95% reported good or "normal" gingival condition. Ninety six per cent brushed their teeth at least twice a day and nine out of 10 were regular users of the dental-care system. Twenty-seven per cent of those women with pregnancy gingivitis responded to the symptoms by, for example, seeing a dentist or intensifying the oral hygiene habits.CONCLUSION: Despite a high level of self-efficacy among the pregnant women as for oral health and oral health care combined with a high level of oral hygiene and dental visiting habits, there seems to be a substantial need for increased awareness of gingival oral health.