[Self-perceived oral health and associated factors among adults in Germany. Results from GEDA 2019/2020-EHIS]

Oral Health Knowledge, Self-Assessed Oral Health Behavior, and Oral Hygiene Practices among the Adult General Population in Croatia

OBJECTIVES

Emphasizing the significance of optimal oral health for enhancing overall well-being, this study aimed to investigate oral health knowledge, self-assessed oral health behaviors, and oral hygiene practices within the Croatian general population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted online, utilizing a questionnaire collecting sociodemographic characteristics and inquiring about respondents' oral health knowledge, self-assessed oral health status, oral hygiene habits, and use of oral hygiene products. Collected data underwent both descriptive and regression analyses to unveil patterns and relationships within the dataset.

RESULTS

The respondents showed a high level of knowledge about oral health (median score 9, IQR 7.00-10.00, maximum possible score 10), with significant factors for higher knowledge being engaged in dental professions; above-average socioeconomic status; and the use of an electric brush, dental floss, and interdental brushes (p ˂ 0.05). Insufficient knowledge, on the other hand, was associated with bleeding gums and daily smoking (p ˂ 0.05). Although 69.4% of respondents considered their oral health to be very good, 32.5% reported tooth decay, and 38.2% reported tooth sensitivity. The majority (62.0%) cited regular check-ups as the reason for their last visit to the dentist, with 74.1% feeling no anxiety or discomfort during these visits. Daily toothbrush use was widespread (97.8%), but only 34.1% and 19.1% of respondents reported using floss and/or interdental brushes daily. A remarkable 69.0% of respondents indicated that low oral health literacy and low prioritization contribute to suboptimal oral health.

CONCLUSIONS

While respondents demonstrated commendable oral health knowledge, the prevalence of reported issues suggests a potential gap between perception and actual oral health status. To address this, targeted educational interventions focusing on comprehensive oral hygiene practices and debunking misconceptions should be prioritized in Croatia.

[Utilization of dental care by adults with and without impairments and disabilities-results of the GEDA 2014/2015-EHIS study]

BACKGROUND

Impairments and disabilities can have a negative impact on oral health. However, studies on the oral health of people with impairments and disabilities are rare. This article examines the 12-month prevalence of dental utilization among adults with and without impairments and disabilities in Germany.

METHODS

Analyses are based on data from 23,372 persons aged 18 years and older with permanent residency in Germany from the GEDA 2014/2015-EHIS study. Participants were asked when they last visited a dentist or orthodontist on their own behalf - "less than 6 months ago," "6 to less than 12 months ago," "12 months ago or longer," or "never." For the analyses, the first two and the last two response options were combined, giving the 12-month prevalence of dental utilization.

RESULTS

Adults with impairments and disabilities were slightly more likely not to have visited a dental practice in the year prior to the survey than adults without impairments and disabilities (21.5% and 18.4%, respectively; p = 0.002). However, the association between the presence of impairments and disabilities and lower dental utilization did not persist after controlling for age, gender, partnership, and socioeconomic status.

DISCUSSION

There are hardly any differences in the dental utilization between persons with and without impairments and disabilities. However, due to their poorer oral health on average, it is necessary to consider how the dental care of this very heterogeneous group can be further improved. The analyses point to the need for care and prevention potentials.

Clinical and Subjective Oral Health Status of Care Home Residents in Europe: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

Several studies demonstrated the poor oral health of care home residents in Europe but there is no systematic overview of the relevant literature. The objective of this study was to systematically review the evidence on the clinical and subjective oral health outcomes of care home residents in Europe.

DESIGN

The study design is a systematic review.

METHODS AND PARTICIPANTS

All included publications presented data on clinical and/or subjective oral health outcomes in care home residents in Europe with no restrictions for language or study design. MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL were searched, including publications from January 2010 onward. Data extraction and quality assessment (Qualsyst tool) was performed by 2 researchers independently. Findings were synthesized narratively, lack in data homogeneity restricted the relevance of a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Eighty-three papers from 18 countries were included in the systematic review, with a sample size ranging from 39 to 92,827 participants. Their mean age was older than 80 years. The residents had few natural teeth, with fewer than a third a functional natural dentition. Removable dentures were present in half to 80% of residents. A high prevalence of dental caries was reported. Oral hygiene was insufficient, for both natural teeth and removable dentures. Few residents had a healthy periodontium. Clinical treatment needs were found in most residents. Perceived treatment needs were high with at least one-third of care home residents reporting a need for care due to poor oral health. A fifth to half of the residents reported negative impacts of their oral condition on their everyday lives.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

This systematic review clearly highlights the poor oral health and high burden of oral conditions among care home residents across Europe, irrespective of country or health care system. There is need for substantial policy actions to improve oral health in care homes.