AUTOPERCEPÇÃO DAS CONDIÇÕES DE SAÚDE BUCAL EM ADULTOS DO SUL DO BRASIL

Oral health is still an important issue in public health. Population-based studies are relevant to identify priority groups and the investigation of people´s self-perception within the context complement objective analysis, with other meanings for planned health activities. Self-perception of oral health and associated factors in adults of a Basic Health Unit coupled to Family Health Strategy in south Brazil are investigated. Further, 207 subjects participated and data were collected by a subjective interview (Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire – a concise version and clinical exam). Results identified that 43.0% of the population under analysis evaluated their mouth health as positive. There was an association between age (p=0.036), color (p=0.030) and schooling (p=0.022), with positive self-perception. When asked about the need for treatment, 71.5% answered that they required dental intervention. Most failed to perceive the relationship when questioned on the impact of mouth conditions on their life quality. Clinical examination revealed that 48.2% had teeth caries and 81.7% required prosthesis. Health education should be underscored so that the population perceives the relationship between mouth health and general health and life quality.