Abstract
Objects I The aim of this study was to assess the subjective oral health status of the general population. Methods : Data were collected by means of a mail survey and self-administered questionnaire of a random sample of the general population aged 40-69 years. The items of subjective indicators consisted of two types of scales I 1) perceived dental health, 2) disability by oral pain and limitation. Of 2001 questionnaires mailed, 1,389 (69%) were returned. Results : Of 1,230 who completed the questionnaires, 44% reported that perceived dental health was fair or poor, compared with 26% for perceived general health. In gender and age groups, there were differences in the proportion of "Oral pain," "Functional limitation" or "Social limitation" reported. Eight% reported that these oral problems affected their daily lives considerably. Conclusion : It is impossible to reflect need and satisfaction for dental care simply with objective measures. Subjective oral health measures in addition to objective measures may be useful in clarifying the oral health status of the general population.
