Oral Health and Quality of Life in adults living in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To assess the oral health-related quality of life of adult people regarding social, physical and psychological aspects. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional research conducted with adults living in Northeastern Brazil. Patients were assessed through three questionnaires: Sociodemographic (age, gender, skin color, marital status, education and income); OHIP-14 -instrument that assesses the impact of oral health on quality of life; COHI -Community Oral Health Indicator, which assesses: 1-Masticatory capacity; 2-Oral health injuries; 3-Use of dental prosthesis; 4) Dental visits.Results: The research was conducted from January to April 2015 in two randomly-selected Primary Health Care centers Participants were 264 people whose age ranged 18-59 years (mean 37.06 years and SD±10.994). Statistically significant differences were found between mean OHIP scores and socioeconomic data: skin color (p= 0.036) and education (p=0.022), oral health status: no visible cavities (p<0.001), sore gums (p=0.005), three or more visible cavities (p<0.001), and soft tissue injuries (p= 0.005). Conclusion:Quality of life was shown to be influenced by oral health status, although many interviewees reported having a good quality of life.

Relationship between dental caries level and quality of life of communities aged 35-44 years in South Daha District, South Hulu Sungai Regency

“…If exposed to s t i m u l i , such as cold, heat, sweet and sour foods, it can cause pain, which can lead to disturbed eating a n d sleeping, inability to work properly, uncontrolled emotions, concentration issues, psychological disturbance, and interference with daily activities. 14 Additionally, this finding is consistent with that of Anbarserri's study which found that tooth loss has a negative impact on a person's quality of life. When the severity of tooth loss increases, the OHIP14 score also increases, which means that the quality of life is in a bad category, indicating higher oral health problems.…”

“…As a result, they may unconsciously limit nutritional intake. 5,14 The quality of life in the poor category was mostly found in females. This research is in line with research conducted by Utami which found that the quality of life of males is better than that of females, which may indicate that females experience a more severe impact of oral disorders than males.…”