Self-reported toothache experience in an adult population in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
OBJECTIVE
This pilot study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of self-reported toothache, bleeding gums and oral ulcer experiences, reasons for dental visits and associated sociodemographic factors among adults living in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.


METHODS
This cross-sectional study was based on a convenience sample in an urban setting. Out of the 540 persons surveyed, 508 had complete usable information, 48% males and 52% females, and aged 18 - 54 years. A closed questionnaire was used to collect the data at two large medical outpatient facilities and a university community.


RESULTS
The proportion reporting toothache experience in the previous 12 months was 34%; painful/ bleeding gums 28%, and oral ulcers/painful spots 14%. Univariate analysis showed that toothache experience was associated with time since last dental visit (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.001), gender (p < 0.001) and education (p < 0.001). Experience with bleeding gums was associated with gender (p < 0.001), education (p < 0.001) and last dental visits (p < 0.001). Oral ulcers were associated with gender (p = 0.004), age (p < 0.001) and last dental visits (p < 0.001). Fewer males than females reported toothache (25% vs. 42%, OR 1.65) but more males reported bleeding gums (37% vs. 19%, OR = 0.34) and oral ulcers (19% vs. 10% OR = 0.33).


CONCLUSIONS
Toothache experience was the most prevalent oral health problem reported by adults. Oral health problems were associated with age, gender and last dental visits.
Okunseri
Christopher
C
Public Health Program, Marquette University School of Dentistry, Department of Clinical Services, Room 356, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-1881, USA. christopher.okunseri@marquette.edu
Hodges
James S
JS
Born
David
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003729:Dental Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005884:Gingival Hemorrhage / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D016017:Odds Ratio; D019226:Oral Ulcer / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015995:Prevalence; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014098:Toothache / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D014505:Urban Population