Can dental attendance improve quality of life?

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between reported dental attendance patterns and the public's perception of how oral health impacts on quality of life (QoL). METHOD: A national UK study involving a random probability sample of 2,668 adults. Respondents were interviewed in their homes about how oral health affects their QoL and about their dental attendance pattern. Responses were coded as oral health having a negative impact, positive impact or impact in general (either positive and/or negative) on QoL. RESULTS: The response rate was 70% with 1,865 adults participating in the study. 72% (1,340) reported that their oral health affected their QoL in general, 57% (1,065) reported that it had a positive effect, and 48% (902) that it had a negative effect. 61% (1,136) reported to have attended the dentist within the last year- 'regular attenders'. Bivaraite analysis identified association between perception of how oral health impacts on QoL and dental attendance pattern (P < 0.01). When socio-demographic factors (age, gender, and social class) were taken into account in the analysis, 'regular attenders' reported that oral health had greater impact in general on QoL (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.63) and, specifically, a greater positive impact (OR = 1.49, 95% CI=1.44, 1.77). CONCLUSION: Dental attendance is associated with perceptions of how oral health impacts on QoL, specifically enhanced life quality. This may have implications for understanding the health gain of regular dental attendance.