Page 122 - Petelin, Ana. 2024. Ed. Zdravje delovno aktivnih in starejših odraslih | Health of the Working-Age and Older Adults. Zbornik prispevkov z recenzijo | Proceedings. Koper: University of Primorska Press

Discussion
The collected results show that the level of oral health as determined by the res-
idents through self-assessment is not high. A significant proportion of the Slo-
venian population rated their oral health as poor or very poor. This trend was
more pronounced among men, older people, people with a lower level of edu-
cation and people living in rural environments. Interestingly, this is consist-
ent with the findings on general self-rated health, which suggest a link between
general health behaviours and self-perceived oral health (Vinko, 2018). Main-
taining and improving oral health is closely linked to individual care practises.
Regular tooth brushing, at least twice a day with a toothpaste containing the
recommended fluoride concentration (1450 ppm), plays a crucial role in main-
taining oral health (Ranfl et al., 2015).
The Scandinavian countries, which traditionally place great emphasis on
good oral health, report a relatively high prevalence of a positive self-assessment
122 of oral health. In a Swedish study of adults aged 16−74 years, the prevalence of
good self-rated oral health was 75%, with self-rated oral health in younger re-
zdravje delovno aktivnih in starejših odraslih | health of working-age and older adults
spondents being similar to our study, but significantly better in older groups
(Molarius et al., 2014). Among older adults (65−74 years) in Brazil, the prev-
alence of poor self-rated oral health (moderate, poor, very poor) was 46.6%,
slightly lower than in Slovenia. In another Brazilian study of adults aged 20−59
years, the prevalence of poor oral health (moderate, poor, very poor) was 33.2%,
which is better than the results of the study of older adults and similar to our
results (Luchi et al., 2013). It is noteworthy that in this study, the proportion of
poor self-assessment increased with age, with higher rates observed in wom-
en (Luchi et al., 2013). The results showed that self-rated oral health in younger
and middle-aged groups is comparable to that of other countries, but is worse
in older adults.
On the one hand, self-assessment of oral health is a summarising meas-
ure that provides information on how patients perceive their oral health and
its overall level. At the same time, however, these results also reveal existing
inequalities in oral health. Despite the numerous determinants that influence
oral health, we cannot ignore the importance of personal care, adequate tooth
brushing and (preventive) check-ups. Proper self-care plays a crucial role in
maintaining oral health. Irregular or inadequate tooth brushing leads to dental
caries and inflammation of the periodontal tissues, causing pain, discomfort
and difficulty eating, communicating and participating in social activities. Un-
treated conditions can eventually lead to tooth loss, further complicating dai-
ly life. These problems have a direct impact on the functions that make up oral
health. Individuals with problems require a certain level of dental care, which
may vary geographically or financially. Given the link between self-assessment
of oral health and clinical indicators, it makes sense to include self-assessment
in the design and planning of health programmes (Atala-Acevedo et al., 2023).
Monitoring oral health through self-assessment can also serve as a measure of