Self-reported oral health behaviours and clinical outcomes among young to middle-aged adults in England

Aims Associations between behaviours and clinical oral health outcomes have been studied on adults in general and at one time point, overlooking a direct focus on young to middle-aged adults. The aim of this research was to examine the associations between self-reported oral health behaviours and clinical outcomes in young to middle-aged adults in England in 1998 and 2009.Methods Secondary data analyses of the Adult Dental Health Survey 1998 and 2009. Toothbrushing frequency and dental attendance were assessed for their association to dental caries; decayed, missing, and filled Teeth (DMFT); and probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥4 mm, using logistic (caries and PPD) and linear (DMFT) regression models, controlling for demographic and socioeconomic factors.Results In 1998, favourable toothbrushing and dental attendance patterns were associated with lower odds of dental caries. In 2009, both behaviours were associated with all outcomes. Brushing twice or more daily and regular dental attendance were associated with lower odds of caries, higher DMFT, and lower odds of PPD ≥4 mm.Conclusions Favourable toothbrushing and dental attendance were associated with better clinical oral health in 2009, while in 1998 this was only for dental caries. Maintaining good oral health behaviours is an important priority for better clinical oral health among young to middle-aged adults.