Self-reported oral health among Brazilian adults: results from the National Health Surveys 2013 and 2019

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate indicators of oral health conditions and behaviours among Brazilian adults in the 2019 National Health Survey (PNS) and analyse the evolution of those indicators compared to the 2013 PNS. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Prevalence ratios of oral health conditions and behaviours, in 2019, were estimated by demographic characteristics. Risk ratios were computed using Poisson regression, and absolute differences (Dif.) between indicators in 2013 and 2019 were calculated. Results: Prevalence of brushing teeth twice a day, using toothbrush/toothpaste/floss and edentulism were, respectively, 93.6% (95%CI 93.3;93.9), 63.0% (95%CI 62.3;63.6) and 10.3% (95%CI 9.93;10.7). There was increase in prevalence of brushing teeth ≥ 2 a day (Dif. = 4.5; 95%CI 3.9;5.1), using toothbrush/toothpaste/floss (Dif. = 10.0; 95%CI 8.6;11.3) and a decrease in prevalence of edentulism (Dif. =-0.7; 95%CI-1.3;-0.1). Conclusion: Respondents who were younger, more educated, with higher income and lived in urban areas had better oral health indicators. Most indicators demonstrated positive improvement.