Self-perceived Oral Health Research Articles

Satisfaction with oral health and associated factors among homeless people in Midwest Brazil.

Self-perceived oral health has been extensively investigated, but studies on homeless people are scarce, and there is currently no evidence from Latin America. To investigate the prevalence and factors associated with satisfaction with the oral health of homeless individuals in one Brazilian capital of the Midwest region. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 351 adult individuals attending a temporary public shelter who were interviewed about sociodemographic and psychosocial aspects, drugs use and oral health. The outcome was satisfaction with oral health (satisfied/dissatisfied). Pearson's chi-square test and Poisson regression with robust variance were used for statistical analysis. The prevalence of dissatisfaction with oral health was 68.9% (95% CI=63.9-73.6). After adjusting for covariates, dissatisfaction was more frequent among individuals who were married/in a stable relationship (PR=1.18; 95% CI=1.02-1.36), with felt need for treatment (PR=2.27; 95% CI=1.23-4.17) or complete prosthesis (PR=1.35; 95% CI=1.18-1.55), and those who used illicit drugs in the past six months (PR=1.22; 95% CI=1.06-1.39). The prevalence of dissatisfaction with oral health in the homeless individuals studied was high and associated with their marital status, use of illicit drugs and self-reported need for dental treatment and complete prosthesis.

Oral condition of patients submitted to bariatric surgery

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a chronic disease that impairs health or exacerbates others comorbidities. Among the treatment options, bariatric surgery has shown effective and lasting results. However, patients may experience adverse effects, like gastric reflux, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, vitamin and mineral deficit, and thereby potentiate negative effects of oral manifestation, including dental erosion, caries, periodontal disease, alterations of saliva and oral mucosa. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate oral condition of Unified Health System (SUS) patients at the bariatric surgery service of Hospital Evangélico de Vila Velha (Brazil), analyzing DMFT index, PSR (Periodontal Screening and Recording), salivary pH and the self-perception of oral health. METHODS: An prospective, observational descriptive case series study, conducted in the dental clinic located at Universidade Vila Velha (Brazil), evaluated 24 patients subjected to bariatric surgery. Patients were included in the study after explanation, reading and signing of the Informed Consent Form. The data were collected by means of questionnaires on oral health perception, clinical examination and salivary collection. RESULTS: All evaluated patients had periodontal disease, besides a considerable amount of decayed teeth (7.86%), despite the alkaline pH registered in 83.3% of the sample. Furthermore, 83.3% of the patients stated they did not receive oral hygiene orientation before the gastroplasty. CONCLUSION: The oral health of the participants was unsatisfactory due to the high rates of periodontitis and decayed teeth, even with alkaline salivary pH. Self-perception of oral health does not correspond to the results obtained in the clinical examination. Thus, the inclusion of dentistry in the multidisciplinary team can contribute to health and care of bariatric surgery patients.

Association between domestic violence and oral health problems in children and adolescents: a systematic review

Domestic violence has a negative impact on development, general health, and quality of life of children and adolescents. This study aimed to revise knowledge regarding the consequences on oral health and its related outcomes of children and adolescents exposed to domestic violence. We conducted this systematic review in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, adhering to a published protocol in PROSPERO. This review systematically searched the literature using the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, LILACS, SciELO databases and Grey Literature, for articles published in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, with no publication date limits. Quality of studies was assessed using New Castle Ottawa scale and its modified version. All process was carried out independently by two researchers. Fourteen studies were included. Nine studies were cross-sectional, four were case-control, and one was a retrospective cohort. All studies included in this review found a higher risk of having some oral health problem and being exposed to some type of domestic violence. The main oral health problems associated with some type of violence were caries experience (decayed, missing and filled teeth), poor self-perceived oral health, malocclusion, poorer oral health related quality of life, poorer oral hygiene, and early childhood caries experience. Important methodological advancements are needed to better understand potential moderators.

Selbstwahrgenommene Mundgesundheit und assoziierte Faktoren bei Erwachsenen in Deutschland. Ergebnisse aus GEDA 2019/2020-EHIS

ZusammenfassungHintergrund und Ziel der ArbeitInformationen zur Mundgesundheit der Bevölkerung sind wichtig für die Einschätzung von (vermeidbarer) Krankheitslast, für die Einschätzung und Planung von Gesundheitsressourcen und -kosten sowie für die Beurteilung gesundheitlicher Ungleichheiten. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, erstmals auf Datenbasis einer bundesweit repräsentativen Stichprobe für die erwachsene Bevölkerung in Deutschland die selbstwahrgenommene Mundgesundheit einschließlich assoziierter Faktoren zu untersuchen.Material und MethodenDatenbasis ist die Studie Gesundheit in Deutschland aktuell (GEDA 2019/2020-EHIS, n = 22.708 ab 18 Jahre). Im telefonischen Interview wurden die Teilnehmenden gefragt, wie sie den Zustand ihrer Zähne und ihres Zahnfleischs beschreiben würden – „sehr gut“, „gut“, „mittelmäßig“, „schlecht“, „sehr schlecht“. Soziodemografische, verhaltensbezogene und zahnmedizinische Merkmale werden als assoziierte Faktoren untersucht. Ausgewiesen werden Prävalenzen und Ergebnisse multivariater binär-logistischer Regressionen (Odds Ratios, OR).Ergebnisse und Diskussion71,4 % der Befragten schätzten ihre Mundgesundheit als sehr gut oder gut ein, 28,6 % als mittelmäßig bis sehr schlecht. Die wichtigsten assoziierten Faktoren waren Beeinträchtigungen beim Kauen und Beißen (OR 4,0), ein unerfüllter zahnmedizinischer Versorgungsbedarf (OR 2,3), männliches Geschlecht (OR 1,5) und ein nicht täglicher Obst- und Gemüsekonsum (OR 1,2), bei Männern zudem eine niedrige Bildung (OR 2,1), das tägliche Rauchen (OR 1,6) und eine nicht jährliche zahnmedizinische Inanspruchnahme (OR 1,4). Aus den Ergebnissen lassen sich Ansatzpunkte zur Förderung der Mundgesundheit ableiten.

Prevalence of tooth loss and associated factors in institutionalized adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of tooth loss and associated factors in institutionalized adolescents. This cross-sectional study included 68 male adolescents incarcerated from Socio-Educational Assistance Center (CASE) aged between 15 and 19 years. Questionnaires were applied individually to assess sociodemographical, economical, medical, behavioral and oral health self-perception variables. All present teeth were evaluated by Decay, Missing, Filling (DMF) Index. The prevalence of tooth loss was analyzed in individuals with ≥1 tooth loss. Associations between tooth loss and exposure variables studied were analyzed by Poisson Regression with robust variance estimation. The prevalence of tooth loss was 47.06%. First molars in the mandible and maxilla and central incisor in the maxilla were the most absent teeth. In the multivariate model, number of decayed teeth, and those that reported daily use of medication were associated with higher tooth loss. Besides, tooth loss was associated with decayed tooth and daily use of medication. Oral health promotion and treatment should be implemented in these institutions to reduce the prevalence of dental loss in these adolescents.

Factors associated with self-perceived oral health in different age groups.

To determine the factors associated with self-perceived oral health (SPOH) in different age groups. This cross-sectional study used probabilistic samples of adolescents, adults and older adults from São Paulo State, Brazil. SPOH was assessed using a global self-rating item. Hierarchical Poisson regression models were used to determine the estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for poor SPOH and demographic and socio-economic variables, social capital, dental attendance and clinical measures. The analyses for each age group were performed separately. Data from 5314 adolescents, 5815 adults and 5556 older adults were analysed. Female adolescents and adults, non-White adults and older adults with a higher educational level had worse SPOH. Adolescents, adults and older adults with lower social capital showed higher rates of poor SPOH (PR=1.58; 95% CI: 1.27-1.97, PR=1.20; 95% CI: 1.10-1.31 and PR=1.26; 95% CI: 1.06-1.49, respectively). Those whose reason for last dental attendance was treatment had worse SPOH, regardless of age group. Adolescents, adults and older adults with greater number of decayed teeth had worse SPOH (PR=1.56; 95% CI: 1.37-1.77, PR=1.30; 95% CI: 1.22-1.38, and PR=1.29; 95% CI: 1.17-1.42, respectively). Adolescents and adults with more missing teeth presented higher rates of poor SPOH (PR=1.23; 95% CI: 1.04-1.44 and PR=1.09; 95% CI: 1.02-1.16, respectively). Older adults needing a dental prosthesis had worse SPOH (PR=2.13; 95% CI: 1.88-2.41). There are differences in the factors associated with SPOH between age groups, and these differences reflect social inequalities in health.

Association Between Tobacco Smoking, Dental Status and Self-perceived Oral Health in Elderly Adults in Colombia.

Tobacco smoking is responsible for several health problems, including mouth diseases. The aim of the present study was to establish the association between smoking and dental status and self-perceived oral health in a large group of elderly Colombian adults. Analysis of 18,937 survey records of participants aged ≥ 60years old was conducted. Information regarding age, sex, skin color, socioeconomic level, education, marital status, denture use, partial tooth loss or edentulism, Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and tobacco smoking was retrieved from the database. A descriptive analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed. Half of the participants were edentulous in the maxilla while mandibular teeth were more frequently retained in more than 60% of the participants. After adjusting for sex and age, smoking consistently increased the odds of partial or complete edentulism in the maxilla (OR 1.05; 95% CI 1.02-1.09) and mandible (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.00-1.08). Nonetheless, the increase in the odds in the mandible was not statistically significant. The habit of smoking was associated with increased tooth loss that in the long-term may result in poor oral health affecting the quality of life of elderly people.

EVALUATION OF ACCESS TO ORAL HEALTH AND THE NEED FOR TREATMENT IN ADOLESCENTS IN A FULL-TIME SCHOOL SYSTEM

This study evaluated the self-perception of adolescents' oral health and their oral conditions and the need for treatment in relation to dental caries. An epidemiological survey was carried out in the municipality of Belém, Pará, Brazil, in 2018. The sample consisted of 200 students, aged 11 to 16 years old, from a full-time public school. The data were collected through a questionnaire where their self-perception of their oral health was assessed and an intra-oral examination was carried out to assess oral health conditions in relation to dental caries, using the Dental Caries Index and need for treatment (ICDNT). The data analysis was based on the Chi-square test, and when the npq <5 restriction occurred, Fisher's exact test was applied. The comparison between quantitative variables was performed using the Student's t test. The average DMFT index was 3.57, with only 17% of the studied population free of caries. The carious component was the one with the greatest significance (3.14) and the need for treatment with the highest prevalence was the restoration of one face (47.5%). A percentage of 88.5% of the adolescents evaluated answered that they did not take a toothbrush to school. The studied sample had a moderate prevalence of caries compared to the parameters recommended by the WHO, but above the standard obtained in the national survey carried out in 2010. Therefore, it is necessary to implement measures aimed at improving the quality of oral health of these adolescents and a full-time system would be a ideal for implementing good habits and routines for the adolescent’s oral health.

Evaluation of the quality of life before and after rehabilitation with dental implants: a pilot study

Introduction The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines quality of life as “an individual's perception of their position (…) and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns” [1]. It is also known that dental implants restore function, aesthetics and phonetics, factors that, in turn, influence quality of life [2]. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) is used to assess oral health self-perception [3]. This pilot study was aimed to evaluate and compare the patient’s quality of life, before and after oral rehabilitation with dental implants. Materials and methods After study approval by the Ethics Committee of Egas Moniz, CRL, and following the informed consent, a validated Portuguese version of the OHIP, in its short-form (OHIP-14), was applied in order to allow the profiling of socio-demographic and oral health characteristics of the patients, as well as to measure their self-perception. Data analysis was performed by using descriptive and inferential statistics methodologies. In the later, a significance level of 5% was established. Results A total of 23 patients, from the Egas Moniz Dental Clinic (EMDC), designated for rehabilitation with dental implants, with a mean age of 51.9 (±15.5) years, were included in the study. The sample was characterised, predominantly, by females, married, with an active status and a higher level of education. From those, 14 patients were evaluated before and after rehabilitation with dental implants. The overall OHIP-14 mean score changed from 18.8 (±11.0) to 2.5 (±2.1). Before rehabilitation the highest OHIP-14 subscale score was the one related to the “psychological discomfort” domain. An improvement of the quality of life was observed not only for the overall OHIP-14 index score (median decreased from 16.5 to 2.0) but also for each of the OHIP domains: “functional limitation” (2.5–1.0, p = .012), “physical pain” (3.5–0.0, p = .001), “psychological discomfort” (5.0–0.5, p = .002), “physical disability” (3.0–0.0, p = .003), “psychological disability” (2.5–0.0, p = .002), “social disability” (1.0–0.0, p = .006) and “handicap” (1.0–0.0, p = .007). Discussion and conclusions There were significant improvements on the patient’s quality of life through rehabilitation with dental implants, as noted by the decrease in measured self-perception scores before and after rehabilitation. The changes were identified for all of the seven OHIP-14 domain scores indicating an overall improvement in the patient’s quality of life.

Effects of photobiomodulation in salivary glands of chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis.

This randomized placebo-controlled trial evaluates the impact of photobiomodulation (PBMT) on the salivary flow and biochemistry of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis. Forty-four patients on hemodialysis self-responded two questionnaires for oral health and salivary gland function perception. The subjects were evaluated for function of salivary glands and randomly allocated to two groups: PBMT group (three irradiations at 808 nm, 100 mW, 142 J/cm2, and 4 J per site); and placebo group. Patients were submitted to non-stimulated and stimulated sialometry and after the treatment at baseline and 14 days. Salivary volume and biochemical of the saliva were analyzed. At baseline, most subjects had self-perception of poor oral health (52.6%) and salivary dysfunction (63.1%). Clinical exam revealed that 47.3% of subjects presented dry mucosa. PBMT promoted increase of the non-stimulated (p = 0.027) and stimulated saliva (p = 0.014) and decrease of urea levels in both non-stimulated (p = 0.0001) and stimulated saliva (p = 0.0001). No alteration was detected in total proteins and calcium analysis. Patients with kidney disease can present alteration in flow, concentrations, and composition of saliva, affecting oral health, but our findings suggest that PBMT is effective to improve hyposalivation and urea levels in saliva of patients with CKD.

Risk Indicators of Tooth Loss Among Mexican Adult Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the factors associated with tooth loss in an adult population in Guanajuato, Mexico. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included individuals enrolled in a community program (2014-2016). Data were gathered through closed-ended questions about sociodemographic characteristics such as sex, age, and schooling. Oral hygiene practices, self-perceived oral health, dental visits during the last 12 months, smoking habits, and diabetes status of the participants were also recorded. A clinical evaluation was performed for each person to register decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMF-t). Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and negative binomial models were used to identify variables associated with the number of missing teeth. ResultsA total of 1640 persons were included in the study. The mean age was 41.6 (±15.4) years; 63.6% were female; and 52.7% had at least 1 missing tooth, with a mean of 2.9 (+4.6) missing teeth. The mean number of missing teeth increased by 5% per year relative to age. Females (relative ratio [RR] = 1.40), smokers (RR = 1.56), people with diabetes who smoke (RR = 3.62), and people who rated their oral health as fair or poor (RR = 1.2) had higher mean values of missing teeth. In contrast, individuals who achieved a high school degree (or above) (RR = 0.81), practiced daily toothbrushing (RR = 0.63), or practiced regular toothbrushing and flossing (RR = 0.65) had fewer missing teeth. ConclusionsMore than half of the population has at least 1 missing tooth. The number of missing teeth is higher in individuals with diabetes and unhealthy habits such as smoking. Good oral hygiene practices play an essential role in preventing tooth loss.

Quality of life and associated factors in non-institutionalized elderly: a cross-section study

The aim this study was to analyze the quality of life (QoL) and its the association with sociodemographic and oral health data in non-institutionalized elderly individuals. This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of 225 elderly individuals aged 60 years or older from a city in Southern Brazil. For data collection, we used the quality of life scale (WHOQOL-OLD), the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), as well as questions about sociodemographic and oral health conditions. QoL presented a mean of 62.73. Sociodemographic variables were tested in a linear regression model, and those that remained associated in the final adjusted model were: age (β = -0.25; 95% confidence interval, CI: -0.40; -0.14), daily independence (β = -0.32; 95% CI: -7.71; -3.57), and participation in social activities (β = -0.12; 95% CI: -4.31; -0.21). The elderly individuals’ oral characteristics were compared, and the following remained associated in the adjusted model: time of last visit to the dentist (β = -0.34; 95% CI: -9.50; -4.65) and oral self-perception (β = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.53; 1.18).The findings of this study showed that, being older, being dependent in life and non-participating in social activities, as well as no visiting the dentist last year were predictors of a worst QoL for the elderly, however, good self-perception of oral health was a predictor of better QoL.

Dental caries and depression in pregnant women: The role of oral health self-perception as mediator.

This study investigated the role of oral health self-perception as mediator of association between dental caries and depression among pregnant women from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study, Brazil. Overall, 2,496 pregnant women participated of this oral health sub-study. Data related to demographic and socioeconomic conditions, lifetime and current depression, and oral health self-perception were collected. Participants were also assessed for dental caries (DMF-T index). Depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. For analysis, six outcomes related to dental caries experience were considered. Causal mediation analysis was performed using parametric regression models. When it was assumed that all subjects had poor perception about oral health, it was observed that the presence of moderate/severe depressive signals and symptoms was higher in subjects with dental caries experience (OR 1.13; CI 95% 1.06-1.20), with severity of untreated dental caries (OR 2.08; CI 95% 1.16-3.78), untreated dental caries (OR 1.18; 95% CI 1.07-1.29), tooth loss (OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.02-1.14), and filled tooth (OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.02-1.16). Our findings show the effect of dental caries on depression is mediated by self-perception about oral health in pregnant women.

Consideration of Oral Health and Periodontal Diseases During Pregnancy: Knowledge and Behaviour Among French Pregnant Women.

Purpose: Several studies demonstrated compromised oral health and periodontal diseases as risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, consideration of oral health by pregnant women remains elusive. The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge and behaviour of French pregnant women towards relationship between oral conditions and pregnancy outcomes and to evaluate influencing factors. Materials and Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was given to women between 1 and 3 days after delivery in three specialised clinics in France. The questionnaire aimed to evaluate demographic characteristics, self-perceived oral health, type of pregnancy follow-up and knowledge regarding oral conditions during pregnancy and risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. A multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate correlation between knowledge and behaviour. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 212 women. Among them, 92% considered prevention of oral diseases during pregnancy important. Despite knowledge of potential negative influence of periodontal diseases on pregnancy outcomes, only 47% of pregnant women received dental diagnosis or treatment during pregnancy. Only 18% of the women discussed oral health consideration during pregnancy with health professional in charge of pregnancy follow-up. Interestingly, absence of dental consultation during pregnancy was associated with low rate of dental consultation prior to pregnancy (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Pregnant women were aware of the association between oral health and pregnancy and of need of prevention. However, consideration of importance of oral health was not adequate to the rate of dental consultation and seems to be influenced by individual dental follow-up habits prior to pregnancy. Clinical Relevance: Dental evaluation should be considered systematically during pregnancy follow-up.

Oral health self-perception for transgender people: a controlled cross-sectional study

This article aims to verify the use of dental services, oral health self-perception, and the impacts of oral health on the daily lives of transgender people. A controlled cross-sectional study was conducted in which transvestites, transsexuals, and transgender people were compared to cisgender people. For data collection, the oral health self-perception questionnaire was applied to 90 people, from which 45 were cisgender and 45 were transgender. There were no differences regarding access to dental services. The data analysis revealed that transgender people perceive their teeth to cause nervousness (p=0.002) and shame (p=0.033), respectively 3.8 and 5.0 times higher than that observed for cisgender people. Although differences in access were not observed, there was a difference in the perception of the need for treatment and the impacts of oral health. Therefore, it is important to consider that comprehensive care for the transgender population should go beyond the treatment of oral diseases and include aesthetic expectations as well.

Dental disorders and self-perception of oral health in patients with paracoccidioidomycosis

Paracoccidioidomycosis, a systemic fungal disease, can lead to dental disorders. As studies on dental problems in patients with paracoccidioidomycosis are few, we evaluated dental disorders and self-perceived oral health in this population. The objective is to evaluate the oral condition of patients with paracoccidioidomycosis as well as their perception of the problem through a cross-sectional study of 52 adult patients with current or previous paracoccidioidomycosis in a reference hospital in Mato Grosso do Sul between December 2017 and July 2018. Demographic data, dental history, and self-perception of oral health were obtained from the National Oral Health Survey—SB Brazil 2010. The number of permanent decayed, missing, or filled teeth; presence and intensity of gingival bleeding; dental calculus; periodontal pockets; and periodontal attachment loss were recorded. Most patients had chronic paracoccidioidomycosis (n = 50; 96.2%), with involvement of the mouth in the active phase of the disease (n = 38; 73.1%). Participants had a high number of decayed, missing, or filled teeth (median: 30 teeth). The most compromised component was “missing” teeth (median of 21 teeth), and total edentulism was observed in 17 patients (32.7%). Periodontal disease was seen in 15 of 35 patients (43.3%) who had at least one tooth. Regarding satisfaction with their oral health, 27 patients (51.9%) reported being satisfied or very satisfied. There was no association between the degree of satisfaction with the other data. Tooth loss is the major dental problem in patients with paracoccidioidomycosis, and in patients with teeth, periodontal disease was highly prevalent. A general positive self-perception of oral health observed in these patients may reduce their willingness to seek dental treatment.

Impact of oral health on nutritional status, self-perception of oral health and quality of life of institutionalized elderly.

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the influence of oral health on nutritional status, self-perception of oral health and health related quality of life of institutionalized elders. Material and MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 193 institutionalized elders living in the metropolitan region of João Pessoa (Brazil). The independent variables included were: 1) caries experience (DMFT index and its components); 2) use and need of dental prostheses; and 3) type of edentulism. The dependent variables included were related to nutritional status, self-perception of oral health and health-related quality of life. Data were submitted to a descriptive and comparative analysis, through correlation, association and difference tests, considering a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). ResultsNo statistical significant correlations or associations between the oral health status and nutritional status and quality of life were found (p>0.05). Individuals who did not need prosthesis had higher scores for nutritional status. Self-perception of oral health and health-related quality of life did not vary significantly according to the studied variables. ConclusionsThe oral health status has a limited impact on the nutritional status, and does not impact the self-perception of oral health and quality of life of the institutionalized elders. Key words:Nursing homes, oral health, quality of life.

Factors associated with oral health-related quality of life of institutionalized elders.

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between two Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) questionnaires (the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI)) and to investigate the factors associated with the OHRQoL of institutionalized elderly individuals. A cross-sectional multicenter study was performed with 344 institutionalized elderly individuals residing in two Brazilian cities. Six trained researchers interviewed the elderly individuals. Sociodemographic data were collected from medical records. Dental caries experience and the use of and need for dentures were recorded through oral examination performed by two trained examiners. A Likert scale (1-5 points) was used to assess general health and self-perceived oral health. The number of chewing cycles needed to chew a portion of peanuts was used to assess the swallowing threshold. The OHIP-14 and GOHAI were used to evaluate OHRQoL, and statistically significant correlations were assessed using Spearman's correlation test (p < 0.05). Poisson regression (p < 0.05) was used to investigate the association of OHRQoL with independent variables. Scores on the OHIP-14 (7.57 ± 8.63) and GOHAI (32.46 ± 3.85) were strongly and inversely correlated (r2 = -0.671, p < 0.001), although these measures were associated with different factors. A higher OHIP-14 total score (worse OHRQoL) was associated with female gender, a greater number of healthy teeth, worse self-perceived general health and oral health, and a lower swallowing threshold (p < 0.05). A higher GOHAI total score (better OHRQoL) was associated with a greater number of filled teeth, better self-perceived oral health and a greater swallowing threshold (p < 0.05). In conclusion, worse OHRQoL among institutionalized elderly individuals is associated with worse self-perceived oral health and a greater swallowing threshold.

Self-perception in oral health and quality of life of users of a dental service.

Self-perception in oral health and quality of life of users of a dental service.

Oral health self-perception: physical, social and cultural expressions of a body in interaction with the world

Abstract This is a qualitative and exploratory research that aimed to analyze the oral health self-perception of adults and elderly people from the South of Brazil who were being treated at a university-based Dental Teaching Hospital. Individual semi-structured interviews were carried out, recorded by an audio equipment, and transcribed. The textual material was interpreted by thematic content analysis. The sample consisted of 46 individuals. Expressions of a body in discomfort, marked by limitations in physiological functions (chewing, speaking, taste) and in sociocultural functions (social life, employment, appearance, smiling, habits) of daily life were present in the narratives of people who perceived their oral health negatively. There were reports of non-use of prostheses or use of inadequate ones, dental diseases, bad breath and pain, which mobilized different feelings (despair, nervousness, irritation, shame, embarrassment, oppression). The opportunity of recovering this body through access and adherence to dental treatment brought the possibility of a 'corporal relearning' so that this body could continue to interact in the world. Understanding how people perceive themselves regarding their oral health has the potential for providing more humanized and effective care, allowing the subject to have more autonomy/participation in decisions about their treatment.