Change in self-reported oral health in relation to use of dental services over 2 yr

Abstract

To investigate change in oral health in relation to use of dental services, a random sample of 45- to 54-yr-old subjects from Adelaide, South Australia, was surveyed in 2004–2005 (n = 986, response rate = 44.4%). Service use and a global oral-health transition (GOHT) statement were collected over 2 yr. Worsening in oral health was reported from the GOHT statement by 25% of persons, while improvement was reported by 30%. Prevalence ratios (PRs, 95% CI), adjusted for sex, education, health card status, and toothbrushing, showed that worsening oral health was inversely associated with dental visiting (PR = 0.5, 0.4–0.7) and with scaling and cleaning services (PR = 0.6, 0.4–0.9), whereas extractions (PR = 2.3, 1.6–3.4) and dentures (PR = 2.2, 1.3–3.7) were associated with a higher prevalence of worsening. Scaling and cleaning services were associated with improvement in oral health (PR = 1.5, 1.01–2.3), while endodontic services were inversely associated with improvement (PR = 0.3, 0.1–0.9). Worsening in oral health was associated with extractions and dentures and was inversely associated with visiting and preventive care. Improvement in oral health was associated with preventive care and was inversely associated with endodontic treatment.