Examining Self-Rated Oral Health and Self-Rated Oral Need among Adults Aged 55+ in Ontario

There is a paucity of research on self-rated oral health (SROH) and self-rated oral needs (SRON) within aging populations. As such, the research objectives of this study were to assess factors associated with SROH and assess how SRON indicators correlate with SROH among Ontarian adults aged 55 years and greater. Data from the 2017-2018 Annual Component of the Canadian Community Health Survey were used. Linear regression estimated the associations between a range of biopsychosocial factors and SROH. Pearson’s correlation estimated associations between SRON and SROH. Smoking, poor general health rating, and never visiting the dentist were associated with an increased likelihood of poorer SROH. Satisfaction with teeth/denture appearance was correlated with better SROH. This study is first to consider both SROH and SRON in Ontarian older adults. More research is needed to inform applied practice and policy that aim to improve services and promote oral health with aging.