Socioeconomic Disparities in the Self-Perceived Oral Health, Missing Teeth and Dentures in the Adult Population of Serbia

Abstract Oral health is integral part of general health. The aim of this study was to assess the self-perceived oral health, presence of dentures and missing teeth in the adult population of Serbia and to determinate the socio-economic inequalities. The study represents a secondary analysis of data obtained from the fourth National Health Survey of the Republic of Serbia. For the purpose of this study, data of 12.439 adult populations aged 20 years and older was used. Descriptive methods were used to display the data and chi-square test was used to compare differences between different groups. All results where the probability is less than 5% were considered statistically significant. Self-perceived oral health of the highest percentage of respondents was rated as good, almost every third respondent lacks 1 to 5 teeth and most common dental restoration was total dentures. Condition of teeth and gums was assessed as very bad, more often by male respondents, aged 65 and over, married, lowest education and poorest. Regarding the lack of teeth females reported the lack of all teeth, in age group 65 and over, who were married. All types of dentures were more often used by women, married or cohabiting, while implants were the most common in respondents aged 35 to 64. Implementation of educational programs and preventive measures would contribute in raising awareness of importance of oral health in older age groups. The findings of our study suggest that actions should address socioeconomic factors in order to reduce health inequalities.