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.