Resumo

BATISTA, Marília Jesus et al. Treatment needs and self-perception of oral health among adolescents. RGO, Rev. gaúch. odontol. (Online) [online]. 2012, vol.60, n.3, pp. 289-296. ISSN 1981-8637.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of self-perception in oral health and dental treatment needs. Methods This was explored through a cross-sectional study in adolescents between 15 to 19 years old in the State of São Paulo, who lived in cities that were randomly selected for the SB Brazil 2000 study. The 1.824 adolescents were examined, underwent a clinical exam and participated in an interview. The following variables were analyzed: need for restorations in maxillary anterior teeth, endodontic treatment, and tooth extraction. These were used in bivariate analysis by the Chi-square test (p <0.05), and logistic regression analysis to compare oral clinical, self perception and social conditions. Results The results as regards oral health self perception, showed that 68% of the adolescents affirmed the need for dental treatment; 64% classified their oral health as "good". Moreover, 32.5% of these adolescents reported the presence of dental or gingival pain in the last 6 months, however, only about 20% expressed the need for dental treatment. Adolescents who needed anterior tooth restoration had worse oral health self-perception. Conclusion It was concluded that the need for dental treatment influenced self-perception of oral health, especially with regard to painful symptoms and esthetic appearance of the teeth and gums.

Palavras-chave : Adolescent health.; Oral health.; Perception.; Self concept..