[Routine use of dental services by the elderly in Brazil: the SB Brazil Project]

The routine use of dental services by elderly participants in a representative survey of Brazilians (the SB Brazil Project) was investigated. 2,305 were dentate and 2,704 edentulous. Prevalence of use was 20% and 17%, respectively. Poisson regression showed that for dentate individuals, use was lower among residents who: lived in rural areas; had not received preventive oral health information; had lower incomes; needed a dental prosthesis; had periodontal problems; perceived their chewing as fair, bad, or terrible; felt that oral health affected their social interaction; and reported tooth pain. Among edentulous individuals, use was higher among those who paid out-of-pocket for dental services and was lower among those who: lived in rural areas; had used dental services more than a year previously; self-identified as non-white; had not received preventive oral health information; had less schooling; needed a dental prosthesis; and felt that oral health affected their social interaction. Inequalities, economic barriers, and lack of information jeopardized the routine use of dental services. Targeted public policies are required to correct these problems.