Dental hygiene and prothetic characteristics of the belgian population: data analysis of the survey national of health 2004

Summary Aim: To explore potential associations between socio-demographic, health and lifestyle and oral health. Methods: A secondary analysis of the database of the 2004 National Health Survey conducted in Belgium was performed(n = 12 945). Statistical analysis includes a descriptive part, a comparison of proportions using the chi square test and logistic regressions of two relevant dental variables, frequency of tooth brushing and wearing dentures. Results : Over half (51%) of people living in Belgium brush their teeth at least twice a day. Male (OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.83; 2.34), persons aged 55 years and older (OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.61; 2.28, people with no or primary level of education (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.62; 2.53) reported to be less likely to brush teeth than female, those aged 15-34 years and those with high level of education. More one-third (37.6%) of respondents declared to wear a denture. The multiple logistic model showed a significantly higher odds of wearing denture among former smokers (OR = 1.51, 95% CI= 1.15; 1.97) compared with non smokers and the Belgians (OR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.38; 2.55). All associations are significantly statistical (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Disparities have been observed in the Belgian population for primary and secondary oral health prevention. The socio-demographic factors are the main determinants of these differences. Prat Organ Soins. 2011;42(4):255-64