Oral health behavior and attitudes of adults in Lithuania

In Lithuania, the oral health system is currently in transition and systema tic data are needed for public oral health care planning. The objectives of this study were (i) to describe the self-assessment of oral health status in Lithuanian adults, the oral hygiene practices, and dental visiting habit s; (ii) to assess the attitudes towards teeth and oral health, dental care and oral health services; (iii) to determine whether oral health attitudes and behavior are affected by socio-economic factors; and (iv) to analyse th e association between self-care practices and use of oral health services. The study comprised random samples of 35-44-year-olds (n = 381) and 65-74-y ear-olds (n = 302). Data were collected during 1997-98 by means of self-adm inistered questionnaires and the response rate was 53%. Nearly all persons of ages 35-44 had natural teeth, whereas 14% of 65-74-year-olds were edentu lous. Among the dentate persons, 45% the young adults against 36% of the el derly claimed having poor teeth, and 66% and 55%, respectively, had experie nce of pain from teeth or mouth during the past year. At ages 35-44, 33% of participants reported toothbrushing at least twice a day and this was the case for 21% of 65-74-year-olds. Dental visits within the past year were in dicated by 60% of young adults and 43% of the elderly; 83% of all participa nts reported that their last visit to the dentist was due to acute oral sym ptoms. In general, the participants had positive dental knowledge and attit udes; however, 56% were unaware of any effect of fluoride. The bivariate an alyses showed that perceived oral health status and oral self-care practice s were related to use of dental services. The multivariate analyses of dent al visiting habits revealed the effects of gender, urbanization, presence o f natural teeth, experience of dental problems, attitudes to dental care an d dentists, and education. In conclusion, preventive dental services should be introduced and the establishment of community-based oral health promoti on programs is urgently needed for Lithuania.