Abstract
To investigate attitudes to dental care, and to assess possible associations with socio-economic and clinical variables over a period of ten years, and to investigate the association between OHRQoL assessed by oral impact on daily performance (OIDP), and socio-economic, dental care habits, smoking and oral status. Cross-sectional studies performed in the county of Dalarna, Sweden, in 2003, 2008 and 2013. Random samples of 1,107-1,115 dentate individuals, aged 30-85years, who answered a questionnaire and who were radiographically and clinically examined were included. The importance of preventive treatment, regular recalls and meeting the same caregiver as on previous visits became less important. In individuals with alveolar bone loss, meeting the same caregiver as on previous visits was important (P<.05). In individuals with manifest caries, information on treatment cost was important, while prevention became less important (P<.05). OIDP was reported by 31% of the individuals in the study, and frequent impact was reported by 10%. Individuals with manifest caries lesions, less than 20 remaining teeth, and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) reported OIDP to a significantly higher degree, compared to orally healthy individuals. Attitudes important in maintaining and improving good oral health, such as preventive care and regular recalls to dentistry, became less important during this period of 10years. Oral impact was found to be associated with irregular dental visits and limited economy for dental care, individuals with less than 20 remaining teeth, TMD and manifest caries.
Highlights
Epidemiological studies serve to investigate the distribution and determinants of disease frequency
Oral impact on daily performance was found to be associated with irregular dental visits and limited economy for dental care, less than 20 remaining teeth, temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and manifest caries
Studies investigating attitudes over an extended time are sparse in the literature, as well as oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and the association with socio- economic and socio-behavioural factors and clinical findings
Summary
Epidemiological studies serve to investigate the distribution and determinants of disease frequency. Very often the patient’s perspective is neglected. The patient’s experience of, and satisfaction with dental care and oral health are important factors within oral health prevention and promotion. Attitudes and perceptions have been found to influence dental conditions, and dental attendance pattern and concerns of cost for dental care.[1,2,3] Favourable attitudes regarding dental care have been found to result in more frequent preventive visits to dental care, and a lower prevalence of toothache pain, darting pain and painful gums.[3] In a study carried out
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