Abstract
This study assessed the association between self-reported oral health and the normative indices of dental caries in an adolescent population. This study is based on a 6-year data from a cohort, beginning in 2012, with 1,134 twelve-year-old adolescents. After three phases of data collection, 68% of the samples were followed up. Self-reported oral health was evaluated through the question: "Would you say that the health of your teeth, lips, jaws, and mouth is …?", and answers were categorized as "good" or "poor." Calibrated dentists examined clinical conditions using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index. Statistical analysis was performed using multilevel logistic regression models, considering the dependence of those observed thrice and adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, and dental visit variables. Adolescents who evaluated their oral health as poor had higher mean DMFT (OR: 1.35; CI95% 1.22-1.50). When evaluated separately, decayed (OR: 2.43; CI95% 1.83-3.23) and missing (OR: 3.94; CI95% 1.26-12.26) teeth also presented significant results, showing poor self-reported oral health associated with a higher mean. Adolescents' self-perceived oral health was associated with normative dental caries indices, and this association was maintained throughout adolescence.
Highlights
Submitted: February 22, 2021 Accepted for publication: September 10, 2021 Last revision: November 13, 2021Self-reported oral health is the capacity of an individual to subjectively perceive and evaluate their oral health
Among the 1,134 participants at baseline, 743 in T2 and 749 in T3 were reassessed for dental caries
The losses at follow-up were due to participants not being found, participant refusal, or city change
Summary
Self-reported oral health is the capacity of an individual to subjectively perceive and evaluate their oral health. It is influenced by the available information, knowledge, and previous experiences, along with the social, cultural, and historical context of each individual. Normative indices are needed by clinicians to evaluate the presence and severity of pathological conditions,[1,2] including dental caries. Dental caries represents an important public health problem in Brazil, and worldwide.[3]. It is difficult for the population to estimate the severity and need for treatment.[4]. Genetic, biological, behavioral, social, and economic factors change as the individual develops through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, and can change health perceptions.
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