Self-reported dental health, treatment need and attendance among older adults in two areas of Finland

Objective The purpose of the study was to assess differences in dental heal th, need for care and attendance among older adults in two areas of Finland with contrasting socio-cultural and economic backgrounds. A further aim wa s to analyse and compare the determinants of oral health and dental visitin g patterns. Basic research design and participants FINRISK senior survey wa s conducted by the National Public Health institute in the two areas in 199 7. Data were collected through a postal questionnaire, a health examination and an interview, which included questions of number or extracted teeth, d ental treatment need and utilisation. The sample consisted of 1,500 persons , 250 women and 500 men aged 65-74 years in both areas: the response rate w as 86%. Results Forty-one per cent of the respondents reported having lost all their teeth and 44% had visited a dentist during the past year. Differe nces between the areas concerning both dental health and attendance were co nsiderable. Respondents living in North Karelia had lost more teeth and vis ited a dentist more seldom than respondents in the Helsinki region. Risk in dicators for the number of extracted teeth differed between the areas, whil e determinants for the dental attendance during the previous year were almo st identical. The major predictors for a dental visit during the previous y ear were number of teeth and household income. Self-perceived need for dent al care was minor. Functional capacity, medically compromising diagnoses or medication did not play any apparent role in dental attendance. Conclusion s The number of teeth together with income are the principal determinants f or dental visits among older persons in Finland.