Demographic and socio-economic correlates of dental pain among adults in the United Kingdom, 1998

Abstract

To report the demographic and socio-economic correlates for dental pain in UK adults, and characterise those with dental pain who did not access dental services and perceived treatment need. Secondary analysis of the 1998 UK Adult Dental Health Survey data. Survey of random sample of UK households between September and December 1998. Face-to-face interviews with community-dwelling adults, aged 16 years and over. MAIN: outcome measures Self-reported dental pain in the past 12 months. Dental attendance and perceived treatment need of those reporting dental pain. Of the 4,942 valid responses, 46.1% were men, the proportion of subjects in each 10-year band age group up to 65 years ranged from 10 to 23%, and 42.6% were manual workers. Dental pain was reported by 28%. After controlling for gender and age, manual workers were more likely to report dental pain (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.06-1.37), non-utilisation of dental services (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.12-1.82), and perceived treatment need (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.03-1.60). Inequality by social class, age and gender exists in the experience of dental pain, access to dental services and perceived treatment need in the UK adult population. Dental health services need to address the needs of this particular section of the population if the Government is to live up to its commitment to reducing oral health inequality and improving access.