Clinical oral health status and adultperceptions of oral health

Abstract

Many studies have demonstrated the importance of health perceptions in predicting and illness behavior, especially the use of health services. Despite the theoretical importance of this concept, the critical determinants of health perceptions have not yet been identified. This study analyses the relative importance of professionally defined oral health status and demographic factors in detesmir ing patients' perceptions of their oral health status. The sample consisted of 1350 patients who had submitted a dental insurance claim. For each patient, data was obtained on their oral health, demographic background and perceived oral health status.

The findings indicate that the number of missing teeth is the most important variable explaining oralhealth perceptions. However, the association is weak, and even at extreme levels of clinical morbidity many patients still consider themselves to be in good oral health. Sociodemographic factors had only a minor effect on oral health perceptions, although older, male patients in the upper socioeconomic class tended to have a more positive view of their oral health.