Smoking, alcohol use, socioeconomic background and oral health among young Finnish adults

• Published in: Community dentistry and oral epidemiology 2015-10, Vol.43 (5), p.406-414
• Main Authors: Tanner, Tarja, Päkkilä, Jari, Karjalainen, Kaisa, Kämppi, Antti, Järvelin, Marjo-Riitta, Patinen, Pertti, Tjäderhane, Leo, Anttonen, Vuokko
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alcohol Drinking - adverse effects; Alcohol Drinking - epidemiology; Alcohol use; caries; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental caries; Dental Caries - epidemiology; Dental Caries - etiology; Dentistry; DMF Index; epidemiology; Finland - epidemiology; Health behavior; health promotion; Humans; Male; Oral hygiene; Periodontal Diseases - epidemiology; Periodontal Diseases - etiology; periodontal health; Periodontal Index; plaque; Prevalence; Smoking; Smoking - adverse effects; Smoking - epidemiology; Socioeconomic Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0301-5661; 1600-0528
• DOI: 10.1111/cdoe.12163

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of smoking and alcohol use in association with dental caries experience and signs of periodontal disease in a Finnish male group born in the early 1990s. The impacts of health behaviour and socioeconomic factors were included in the analyses. Methods Oral health of 8539 conscripts was screened in a cross‐sectional study (DT, DMFT and CPI). They also answered a questionnaire covering their habits of smoking and alcohol use as well as other behaviours and background factors. The bleeding on probing index (BOP) was available on 6529 conscripts. Cross‐tabulation together with a chi‐squared test and generalized linear mixed models were used in the analyses. A mosaic figure was used to illustrate associations of smoking frequency, use of dental services and toothache. Results Majority (80.9%) in the study group consumed alcohol at least once a month, and 39.4% were daily smokers. Smoking was statistically significantly associated with high caries experience and high bleeding values of gums. Consumption of alcohol was not associated with dental caries and periodontal disease. The high BOP value had the strongest association with infrequent tooth brushing and smoking. The participant's own education level was the main protective factor of oral health. The smokers used dental services more frequently compared to the non‐smokers mostly for acute care. Conclusions Young men's health behaviour, especially of those with low education, does not promote oral health, which may indicate need for extensive healthcare services in the future. Health promotion should not be neglected.