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

Objective: The study aimed to compare self-perceived oral health and orofacial appearance in three different cohorts of 60-year-old individuals. 

Method: A 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. 

Results: The 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. 

Conclusion: The 60-year-olds irrespective of birth cohort, perceived their oral health and orofacial appearance as satisfactory.