Self‐perceived oral health and orofacial appearance in an adult population, 60 years of age

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveThe study aimed to compare self‐perceived oral health and orofacial appearance in three different cohorts of 60‐year‐old individuals.MethodA cross‐sectional design, based on data obtained from a questionnaire used in the Swedish National Study of Aging and Care. The sample comprised 478 individuals, from baseline, 2001–2003 (n = 191), 2007–2009 (n = 218) and 2014–2015 (n = 69). Comparisons were made within and between the cohorts, with bivariate analysis and Fisher's exact test. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05.ResultsThe result showed that a low number of the participants reported self‐perceived problems with oral health. Of the problems reported, a higher proportion in cohort 2014–2015 (39.3%) experienced problems with bleeding gums. The experience of bleeding gums increased between the cohorts 2001–2003 and 2014–2015 (p = 0.040) and between 2007–2009 and 2014–2015 (p = 0.017). The prevalence of discomfort with sensitive teeth was experienced in 7%–32%. Twice as many women compared to men experienced discomfort in all cohorts (no significant differences between the cohorts). Satisfaction with dental appearance was experienced in 75%–84%. Twice as many women compared to men were dissatisfied with their dental appearance in 2001–2003 (p = 0.011) and with discoloured teeth (p = 0.020). No significant differences could be seen between the cohorts regarding discomfort with dental appearance or discoloured teeth.ConclusionThe 60‐year‐olds irrespective of birth cohort, perceived their oral health and orofacial appearance as satisfactory.