Adult Dental Patients Research Articles

Identification and Management of Dental Anxiety by New Zealand Dentists

Objective More than 1 in 8 New Zealand (NZ) adults are dentally anxious, which can lead to avoiding dental care and a higher risk of poor oral health. However, little is known about how dentally anxious patients are identified and managed by NZ general dentists. This survey aimed to investigate how NZ dentists identify and manage dentally anxious patients. Methods We conducted an email survey of NZ dentists in 2022, obtaining 212 responses. Along with demographic information, respondents were queried about whether they ask patients about past/current dental fears and their likely origin, how they assessed those fears, their usual management of dentally anxious patients, and how the management of dentally anxious patients could be improved. Results Almost three-quarters reported personally asking patients about past and/or current dental fears, and half enquired about bad life experiences that had led to those fears. Only 6 respondents (2.8%) reported using a formal dental anxiety/phobia assessment tool prior to treatment. For managing severely anxious adult dental patients, all dentists used at least 1 pharmacologic or psychological technique or referral to a colleague. Conclusion The study identified several weaknesses among NZ dentists in identifying and managing dental anxiety patients. The use of formal dental anxiety/phobia assessment tools prior to treatment needs improvement. Addressing dental anxiety is a complex issue that requires a multipronged approach involving improved education, the development and implementation of better assessment tools, and a greater understanding of how dentists’ current assessment and management of dental anxiety can be improved.

Pilot study on the relationship between oral function or subjective symptoms and appetite.

This pilot study evaluated the relationships between appetite and oral function, and between appetite and the subjective symptoms of decreased oral function. Seventy-one adult dental clinic patients (22 males, 66.0 ± 14.0 years) participated in this study. A Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire score of ≤28 indicated anorexia, and the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-form, body mass index and skeletal muscle mass index were used to define subject characteristics. Seven oral function tests and seven subjective symptoms related to oral function were evaluated. The relationship between subject characteristics, oral function tests, subjective symptoms and anorexia was analysed using the chi-square test and univariate and multivariate logistic regression. There were significant differences between the normal appetite group and the anorexia group for the 10-item Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) survey and the question 'Food remains in the oral cavity after eating' (p < .05). Univariate logistic regression found significant differences in the items of masticatory function, the EAT-10 survey and the question 'Food remains in the oral cavity after eating'. Multivariate logistic regression revealed significant differences in masticatory function (AOR 4.35; 95% CI: 1.03-18.35; p = .045) and EAT-10 (AOR 6.27; 95% CI: 1.40-24.02; p = .016). This pilot study investigated the influence of factors related to oral function on appetite. Relationships were found among poor masticatory function, poor swallowing function and anorexia.

Psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the perceived prosthodontic treatment need scale: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses.

It is crucial to take into account the concerns of dental patients about their prosthodontic needs when planning the course of treatment. However, there is a dearth of research that examines these needs among adult dental patients. This study aims to translate and validate the perceived prosthodontic treatment need scale (PPTN) in Arabic. The 17-item PPTN scale was translated from English into Arabic and completed by 206 patients seeking prosthodontic treatment in a dental hospital in Saudi Arabia. Data collection was carried out in September and October 2023. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to ascertain the underlying factor structure; a unidimensional scale was hypothesised and tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), including several multiple model fit indices. The assessment of reliability was conducted using Cronbach's alpha. The convergent and discriminant validity of the final scale were examined. EFA produced an 11-item scale distributed into three factors that explain 65.43% of the total variance with eigenvalues > 1. All items showed acceptable reliability, ranging from 0.65 to 0.84. The first factor pertained to social issues, while the second item was concerning dental appearance. Lastly, the third factor included functional difficulties associated with tooth loss or dental problems. The results of the CFA demonstrate a satisfactory level of model fit, with the standardised factor loadings ranging from 0.51 to 0.89. Convergent and discriminant validity of the model factors were established. The translated questionnaire was deemed legitimate and would be useful in comprehending patients' perceived treatment requirements, hence contributing to the advancement of prosthodontic research and practical implementation.

Ageism scale for dental students (ASDS): A focus group review of content validity.

Improve content validity of the Ageism Scale for Dental Students (ASDS) and identify barriers to using the scale. Thematic analysis of transcripts of three purposively sampled focus groups of 1) geriatric dentistry specialists, 2) older adult dental patients, and 3) dental students. Twenty-five participants engaged in focus groups. No new concepts to define ageism were identified. Experts found the scale acceptable and appropriate, yet they raised specific potential revisions to scale questions. Commonly reported themes already addressed by ASDS included the importance of tailoring decision-making to patient preference and not making assumptions about older adults' capacity or preferences for dental care. Barriers to identifying ageism or using the scale included experiential differences in interpreting scale items, cultural differences in attitudes towards older adults, and potential overlap with social determinants of health. Secondary findings include recommendations for older-adult focused training for dental students to provide positive, concrete guidance on caring for older adults. There are opportunities to refine the Ageism Scale for Dental Students and to allow tailoring of the scale for specific national or cultural contexts.

Prevalence of Non-carious Cervical Lesions in Patients with Gingival Recession and Associated Risk Factors: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study in a Sample of Adult Egyptian Dental Patients

Prevalence of Non-carious Cervical Lesions in Patients with Gingival Recession and Associated Risk Factors: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study in a Sample of Adult Egyptian Dental Patients

The disparities of dental anxiety in adult dental patients: a sociodemographic and dental visit experience analysis

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Patient anxiety can impede dental treatment adherence. Several factors influence patient anxiety, including sociodemographic characteristics and prior dental visit experiences. This study aims to analyze the disparities of dental anxiety in adult dental patients from sociodemographic and dental visit experience analysis point of view. Methods: Type of research was cross-sectional study. The population was all dental patients during May 30th and June 16th, 2023 at the Cipondoh Public Health Center in Tangerang City. Sixty-one patients were purposely sampled from the dental clinic. Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire containing five questions regarding sociodemographic factors and dental visit experiences. Each question offered respondents five response options, represented by scores. Anxiety was measured using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26 with Mann-Whitney, ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis tests. Results: Among the 61 participants, 33.1% reported experiencing dental anxiety, with an average MDAS score of 8.92. Comparative analysis revealed significant differences in anxiety scores based on age (p&lt;0.05), gender (p&lt;0.05), education level (p&lt;0.05), and dental visit experience (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: There are significant anxiety differences in adult patients based on sociodemographic factors, including gender, age, educational level, and dental experience factors. Keyword : dental anxiety, socioeconomic factors, dental visit, adult

Awareness of Nutrition Facts Labeling and Its Relation to Oral Health Practices and Caries Experience Among Adult Patients.

To investigate the relationship between the usage of nutrition facts labels (NFL) and oral and dietary practices and the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) score. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a convenient sample of 150 adult dental patients attending the King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Electronic dental records were accessed to record each patient's DMFT score. Only 38% (N=57) of the participants read the NFL on their food. A statistically significant association was found between patients' DMFT scores and the NFL reading. Participants who said they read NFLs had lower mean DMFT scores than those who said they did not (8.4 vs. 10.5). The results of this study demonstrate that there is low usage of NFL among participants. A significant association was noted between the reading of the NFL and caries experience as measured using the DMFT index.

Patient receptivity to receiving vaccinations in the dental clinic at a rural federally qualified health center

BackgroundMore than 28 million people in the United States visited their dentists but not a physician in 2018, yet only a few states allow dentists to administer vaccines to patients, and those vaccines are limited to influenza, COVID-19, and human papillomavirus. MethodsTo assess the receptiveness of adult dental patients and caregivers of pediatric dental patients to receive necessary vaccines during their dental appointment, a survey was distributed to patients attending a dental visit at a rural federally qualified health center from June 28, 2021, through December 31, 2021. ResultsAmong the responses from 643 adult patients and 625 pediatric caregivers, approximately one-half (54.2% and 49.9%, respectively) reported being receptive to receiving vaccines in the dental clinic, with 28.5% and 21.8% not being receptive to vaccines, respectively. Primary language, age group, number of children, and primary care center all were associated significantly with reported likelihood of receiving vaccines (P < .05). The most reported concern about receiving vaccines at a dental clinic was a preference for their primary care physician to provide all vaccinations, according to 22.2% of adult patients and 39.8% of pediatric caregivers. ConclusionsThe authors’ findings support efforts to administer vaccines during dental visits to improve immunization rates among adults and children. Ongoing communication with primary care physicians regarding administration of vaccines in the dental clinic could reduce concerns by adult patients and pediatric caregivers. Practical ImplicationsStrategies and policies that establish protocols to ensure the safe and effective administration of vaccines in dental visits should be implemented and supported.

Dictive Factors of Dental Anxiety in Adult Patients at a Tertiary Dental Hospital in Nigeria

Objective: This study was designed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of dental anxiety among adult patients attending a tertiary dental hospital in Nigeria, while also identifying potential predictors of dental anxiety.&#x0D; Method: A total of 177 adult dental patients completed a self -administered questionnaire comprising socio-demographic information and other information relating to medical conditions, pain, health insurance coverage, previous dental visits and self-perception of oral health. Dental anxiety was assessed with the Modified dental anxiety scale.&#x0D; Result: The prevalence of dental anxiety was 10.73% (MDAS=19-25) with overall severity mean score of 13.36±3.41. Age and sex were associated with the level of dental anxiety (p-values of 0.027 and 0.007 respectively). Moreover, age, sex and level of education were associated with mean anxiety levels (p-values of 0.043, 0.009 and 0.015 respectively). Previous dental visits and self-perception of oral health were associated with dental anxiety (p-values of 0.034 and &lt; 0.001 respectively). Sex, marital status, previous dental visits and self-oral health perception were predictors of high dental anxiety (p-values of 0.028, 0.019, 0.033 and 0.001 respectively).&#x0D; Conclusion: Demographic factors, previous dental visits and self-perception of oral health are associated with dental anxiety. Predictors of high dental anxiety are sex, marital status, previous dental visits and self-oral health perception.

Effects of Emotional Self-Regulation Strategies and Regular Desensitization on Anxiety and Fear of Adult Dental Patients: A Clinical Trial

Effects of Emotional Self-Regulation Strategies and Regular Desensitization on Anxiety and Fear of Adult Dental Patients: A Clinical Trial

Effect of oral health status and oral function on malnutrition in community-dwelling older adult dental patients: A two-year prospective cohort study.

To survey oral status in detail and clarify the factors associated with nutritional status as evaluated by the Mini Nutritional Assessment. Malnutrition is common in older adults and increases the risk of frailty, sarcopenia, and mortality. However, few longitudinal studies have been performed to investigate the causal effect of oral status on malnutrition in detail, and the information reported in those longitudinal studies has been limited to dentition status and swallowing ability. The participants in this prospective cohort study were patients who visited the Preventive Dentistry Clinic at Okayama University Hospital from November 2017 to January 2021. The number of teeth, periodontal condition, oral function (oral diadochokinesis, masticatory ability, number of bacteria in tongue coating, occlusal force, oral moisture, tongue pressure, swallowing function), nutritional status, the number of comorbidities, and mental health status were examined. These variables were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM). The final analysis included 141 participants (40 males and 101 females; mean age, 73.5 ± 6.3 years; follow-up rate: 79.7%). The results of the SEM revealed that oral status (number of teeth present and swallowing function) was positively associated with nutritional status 2 years later. In addition, age was negatively associated with oral status. In community-dwelling older adult dental patients (age ≥60 years), oral function at baseline was associated with nutritional status two years later.

Prevalence of Dental Caries among Adult Patients in Bungoma County, Kenya

Globally, dental caries has affected nearly 100% of adult teeth. Dental caries is caused when microbial biofilm converts free sugar contained in such foods and drinks into acid which corrodes the tooth structure. In Kenya, the prevalence is 34%. This high prevalence has led to the negative impact associated with the disease. Therefore, this study’s main aim was to determine the prevalence of dental caries among adult patients in Bungoma County, Kenya. This study was conducted in Bungoma County and adopted a cross-sectional design. The target population was adult dental patients and the key informants were the dentist and dental technologist. Participants were selected using multistage sampling techniques. The sample size of 347 dental patients was arrived at using Cochran’s formula. Data were collected using the WHO-modified assessment questionnaire. WHO DMFT index checklist was also used. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences 25.0. Data were presented using tables and figures. Logistic regression was used to determine the direction of the association at the significance level set at 0.05. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The researcher observed the ethical principles applicable to the study. The prevalence of dental caries among adult patients was 43.7% with a mean total DMFT index of 3.249 which signifies a moderate distribution among the adult population. Kimilili sub-county hospital had a moderate mean DMFT index of 4.47 and Webuye County hospital had a low mean DMFT index of 1.585. Dental caries was more prevalent in youths aged between 18 years to 35 years (60.1%). Moreover, the female gender has more dental caries prevalence at 57.4% as compared to male patients. The prevalence of dental caries is more prone among the rural (56.8%) as compared to the urban (43.2%). According to incomes, individuals who earn more than Ksh. 23,750 have a higher prevalence of 65.6%) than those who earn less than Ksh. 23,750 (34.4%). Dental caries is more prominent in the lower jaw. Those who do not brush their teeth were 4 times more likely to develop dental caries as compared to those who practise good oral hygiene practices (OR =3.0). Those who consume sugary foods and drinks frequently (OR: 2.4) and those who smoke tobacco (OR: 2.0) were times more likely to develop dental caries compared to those who did not consume sugary foods and smoke tobacco. Conclusion: The prevalence of dental caries among adults is moderate with the prevalence being higher in youths, female, low-income earners (&lt; ksh.23,750) and rural dwellers. In terms of the jaws, the lower jaw is more susceptible to caries attack compared to the upper jaw and also the posterior teeth (premolar and molars) are more susceptible to caries compared to the upper jaw. Recommendation: There is a need to conduct a community-based campaign even through Chiefs’ Barazas on the importance of proper oral hygiene practices in Bungoma County.

Development and validation of a questionnaire on perceived prosthodontic treatment needs in Malaysian adults

Statement of problemA discrepancy between dentists' assessments and patients' expectations during prosthodontic treatment is inevitable. Incorporating dental patients’ concerns about their prosthodontic treatment needs is essential during treatment planning, yet studies assessing these needs in adult dental patients are lacking. PurposeThe purpose of this study was to develop and validate a novel instrument, termed the questionnaire on perceived prosthodontic treatment needs (PPTN), that assesses perceived prosthodontic treatment needs in adults. Material and methodsThe PPTN was developed following a literature review, consultation with healthcare workers, and patient interviews. It included 15 questions and a self-rated need for prosthodontic treatment, categorized on a Likert scale. A cross-sectional descriptive study was completed on 193 dental patients seeking or receiving prosthodontic treatment. ResultsThree perceived prosthodontic treatment need factors were identified (psychosocial impact, esthetic concern, and function) by using exploratory factor analysis. A higher PPTN score indicated greater perceived prosthodontic treatment needs. The identified factors represent 67.8% of the variance with eigenvalues of >1. The PPTN had a high degree of internal consistency and reliability, as the final questionnaire received a Cronbach alpha of 0.75 and an intraclass coefficient of 0.75 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.68 to 0.80 (F(192, 576)=3.94, P<.001). ConclusionsThe newly developed questionnaire was valid and will help understand patients’ perceived treatment needs and benefit further prosthodontic research and clinical application.

Factors Influencing Oral Health-Seeking Behaviour among Adult Dental Patients at the Dental Training School, in the Lusaka District of Zambia

Factors Influencing Oral Health-Seeking Behaviour among Adult Dental Patients at the Dental Training School, in the Lusaka District of Zambia

Prescription Opioid Pain Medication Use among Patients Attending a US Dental College Clinic: Prevalence and Implications

Purpose: Due to the increased opioids abuse in US during the past several decades, efforts have been made to counter this trend through regulation of use of prescription opioid pain medications. This study assesses the use of these medications by adult dental patients attending a US dental college clinic during February 2017 to October 2021. Methods: A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was used to gather data from patients on demographics and patterns of utilization of medications. Results: Among the patients included in the study, the majority were 51 to 70 years of ages, females, Caucasians, and with minimum high school education. Nine prescription opioid medications were used, and of these, hydrocodone and oxycodone were more common. Most patients used single medications, of which the majority were utilized for a few days up to 4 weeks. Nearly all medications were prescribed by 10 different health profession specialists, and the majority comprised emergency medicine physicians, primary health care practitioners and dentists. Most patients used their medications as intended, without sharing with others, and also expressed their satisfactions with the medications they used. Conclusions: The study suggests that the recently reported opioid epidemic in US is less related to use of prescription medication, but to other external factors, including the non-medical use of potent synthetic compounds, such as fentanyl, as widely reported in the literature. Such a recognition, while warranting further studies on the topic, provides additional justifications for enhanced focus on this aspect of opioid abuse.

Prevalence of taurodontism in individuals in Northwest China determined by cone-beam computed tomography images

ObjectiveThe aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the prevalence of taurodontism in a group of adult dental patients in Northwest China with the aid of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MethodsThis study used Shifman and Chanannel's criteria to statistically analyze the prevalence of taurodontism in the premolars and molars of the Chinese population. CBCT images of 5488 teeth from 580 subjects of Chinese origin were evaluated. The measured data were statistically analyzed and the chi-square test was also used to compare the prevalence of taurodontism between male and female subjects and between the upper and lower jaws (P < 0.05). ResultsTaurodontism was detected in 169 patients, with a prevalence of 29.14%, of which 27.24% were males and 30.65% were females. The chi-square test showed that there was no significant difference between males and females (P > 0.05). Taurodontism was found in 7.45% of all teeth examined. Taurodonts were significantly more common in the maxilla (9.06%) than in the mandible (5.15%) (P < 0.001), and the maxillary second molar (25.18%) was the most common tooth affected. According to morphology, hypotaurodonts were the most common (60.39%) among taurodontic teeth. ConclusionsTaurodontism was relatively common in the Chinese population and was almost equally distributed between males and females. The maxillary second molar was the most common tooth of all taurodonts measured, and taurodonts were significantly more common in the maxilla than in the mandible. Hypotaurodontism was the most common form of taurodontism. Our study provides a reference for dental deformities in the Chinese population and the diagnosis and treatment of taurodontism.

Effect of Vocal Anesthesia on Adult Dental Patients during Covid-19 pandemic period

BACKGROUND: Pain is as a major concern with dental patients. The dentist-patient interaction can reveal the presence of anxiety and fear, which may result in rise of pain. This study aimed to assess vocabulary communication as support to dental anesthesia on the adult dental patient.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective, randomized clinical study, conducted from February 2020 through March 2021. Two hundred individuals (112 males, 88 females) of the age range (16 to 84 years) were separated into two groups for testing the level of pain during dental local anesthesia, with vocal communication and without vocal communication.RESULTS: While the control group showed no difference between males and females, there was a difference between the sexes in the experimental group with past dental visits, VAS and injection type having less anxiety (p=0.0001) while with education/VAS having (p£0.01) as appear in sex to age (p£0.05). There was no difference when data were compared by age, or type of anesthesia (inferior alveolar nerve block or infiltration technique).CONCLUSION: Dental anxiety can be alleviated by talking to the patients before the procedure, which could reduce the amount of pain.

Analysis of the hard-tissue menton shape variation in adult South Africans using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans

: In forensic anthropology, the biological profile is based on human variation and can help in the process of personal identification. In order to better understand shape variation of the mental region, this study analyzed the influence of population affinity and sex on the menton in adult black and white South Africans, using geometric morphometric methods (GMM). : We used cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 291 adult dental patients with dentition patterns up to Eichner Index B3, retrospectively collected from the Oral and Dental Hospital, University of Pretoria. We placed eleven standard craniometric landmarks on the menton, mandible, and maxilla of three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions by automatic landmarking and analyzed them by applying GMM. In addition, a subtle shape matrix of seven landmarks was created for a focused analysis of the menton only. Finally, we tested the reproducibility of the landmarks placement with a dispersion analysis. : The landmarks used in this study were reproducible, with an overall dispersion of less than 1 mm. Population affinity significantly influenced menton shape, with P-values = 0.001 in the complete sample and within the sex groups. Differences between sexes for these seven landmarks were also statistically significant (P-values between 0.001 to 0.003) in the complete sample, but not within population groups in isolation. The accuracy for estimation of population affinity by discriminant function analysis was 86.9%. : The use of automatic landmarking improved landmark reproducibility. Population affinity and sexual dimorphism significantly influenced menton shape. However, shape analysis, including all eleven landmarks, was not significantly influenced by sex. This study supports further research focusing on the facial approximations for forensic identification in South Africa.

Magnitude, associated factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates among adult dental caries patients attending Hiwot Fana comprehensive specialized university hospital, Harar, Eastern Ethiopia.

Dental caries is defined as a dynamic diet microbial disease of teeth, which results in localized dissolution and destruction of the mineralized tissues of the teeth. Dental caries develops when there is a susceptible tooth exposed to pathogenic bacteria in the presence of substrate. Under these conditions, the bacteria metabolize substrate to form acid, which decalcifies teeth. Dental caries is among the top oral health problem in both developing and developed nations affecting around 20-50% of the population globally. This study was conducted to assess the magnitude, associated factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates among adult dental caries patients visiting Hiwot Fana specialized university hospital dental clinic from April 23 to-June 23, 2021. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 290 study participants. Convenient sampling techniques were used to select the study participants. Data was entered into Epi-info version 7.2.4.0 and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20 for analysis. The result was explained by using summary measures of texts, tables, and graphs after analysis by using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. Statistical significance was defined at a p-value of less than 0.05. The overall magnitude of bacteria among dental caries patients was 68.3%. S mutans 74(37.4%) and Lactobacillus spp 58(29.3%) were the most predominant isolated bacteria. Lack of teeth brushing (AOR: 2.8, 95% CI:1.6, 4.6), the habit of chewing khat always (AOR:4.8, 95%CI:2.10,8.80), the habit of chewing khat sometimes (AOR: 3.8: 95% CI: 2.520,9.48) and consumption of soft drinks (AOR: 1.9, 95% CI:1.2,3.1) were significantly associated with bacterial dental caries. Almost, all bacterial isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin compared to Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, chloramphenicol, clindamycin, doxycycline, erythromycin, gentamycin, penicillin, tetracycline, vancomycin and tobramycin. Teeth brushing habit, consumption of soft drink and a habit of chewing khat affects dental health and they are associated with bacterial dental caries. Harari regional health bureau better to focus by giving health education to the community about dental caries based on identified associated factors with dental caries.

Correlation of self-esteem with oral hygiene behaviour and oral health status among adult dental patients.

Self-esteem is a psychological construct that has been consistently linked to general and oral health. However, most studies interpolating self-esteem and oral health behaviour have been focused on children and adolescents, and there is a dearth of scientific literature on adults. Hence, this study, that is aimed to correlate self-esteem with oral hygiene behaviour and oral health status in Telugu-speaking adult dental patients. A cross-sectional study involving adult dental patients who were 35-44 years of age and visited the Government Dental Hospital in Hyderabad city, India, was conducted. Self-esteem was assessed using the Telugu-translated version of the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, oral health behaviour was determined using the Oral Hygiene Behaviour Index and oral health assessment was performed using the World Health Organization Dentition status, the modified Community Periodontal Index and the Loss of Attachment. A total of 456 patients were included in this study. Most of the participants reported low self-esteem, with a mean score of 11.8 ± 2.7. Patients with primary school education reported higher self-esteem scores than those with high school and university education (p = 0.0001). Furthermore, low Oral Hygiene Behaviour Index scores (64.9%) in the study population and high Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth scores in females (5.7 ± 4.4; p = 0.09) were noted. None of the variables (Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth scores, Oral Hygiene Behaviour, gingival bleeding and Loss of Attachment) were significantly correlated with self-esteem. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that younger age, lower educational level and presence of dental caries resulted in higher odds for high self-esteem (p < 0.01). The findings indicated a significant association between self-esteem and oral health. Indivi-duals with dental caries had significantly higher odds for high self-esteem. Thus, this study emphasises the relevance of psychosocial factors, such as self-esteem, as the mediator of oral health.