Determination of Self Satisfaction with Dental Appearance and Oral Health Status among a Population of Dentate Adults in a Referral Institution

Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze how self- perceived satisfaction with dental appearance is affected by oral health status of an individual keeping in mind various socio-demographic factors.
Methodology: A sample size of 850 was obtained from the Out Patient Department of Nair Hospital Dental College in a cross sectional survey. The clinical oral health status was recorded after thorough clinical examination followed by measurement of Decayed, Missing Filled teeth (DMFT) and Oral Hygiene Index – Simplified (OHI-S). The questionnaire included socio-demographics and a single-item measuring self-reported satisfaction with appearance of teeth.
Results: Out of the total participants, 42.43% of the women and 37.7% of the men in this study were satisfied with their dental appearance. Odds ratio revealed that age, level of education, DMFT and OHI-S scores were inversely proportional to satisfaction with appearance of teeth. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that OHI-S, DMFT and Education were the most significant factors (P < .05) to affect self-perceived dental appearance followed by gender and age.
Conclusion: Dissatisfaction with dental appearance was common in this hospital-based sample of young, middle-aged and older adults, and was significantly associated with key socio-demographic and oral health factors such as education, caries and oral hygiene status. Information from self-reports could help in planning effective strategies towards treatment to promote oral health.