Oral health behavior according to perceived oral symptoms in the elderly

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to investigate the oral health behavior according to perceived oral symptoms in the elderly. Methods: The data were obtained from the 6th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013). Data were analyzed by complex sample frequency t test, one-way ANOVA, χ 2 test, and general analysis. The questionnaire consisted of general characteristics of the subjects and perceived oral symptoms. Results: Those who had higher education tended to brush teeth regularly. The use of oral hygiene product was also high in higher educated elderly and higher income. Those with good oral health perception showed regular toothbrushing habit. Those with good chewing and mastication used oral hygiene products. Male tended to have regular dental checkup. Those having spouse, higher income, younger age, regular dental checkup had good chewing ability. Poor oral health perception, toothache, and chewing difficulty were the main cause of dental visit (p<0.05). Conclusions: The elderly with poor perceived oral symptoms showed lower level of oral hygiene care. They tended to visit dental clinics only when they had oral symptoms.

Factors Related to Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Adult Male Inmates: A Cross-sectional Study

“…In terms of perceived oral symptoms, inmates responded to 'often' or 'always' having the following, in order: 'food impaction', 'periodontal health', and 'sensitivity to cold/hot food.' However, in a study on perceived oral symptoms in older individuals, the order was 'subjective oral health awareness' (49.4%) and 'chewing discomfort' (49.2%) [39]. Nevertheless, the items included in perceived oral symptoms differed between these studies.…”