title: Correlation between oral health perception and clinical factors in a Brazilian community.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to analyse associations between self-perception of oral health and relevant clinical, personal and socio-demographic factors in a Brazilian community.
  
  
  METHODS
  Urban adults living in a city in southern Brazil were interviewerd and examined. Individuals with acute pain and who needed multiple extractions of teeth were excluded. Self-perception and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) were applied to measure the impact of oral conditions on the quality of life. Socio-demographic and clinical indicators were also analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The clinical examination revealed a high dental caries experience (DMFT = 18.9) and a high prevalence of periodontal disease. Oral condition was considered "normal" by 42% of respondents. The variables associated with the OHIP-14 were: education, age, self-assessment, dental caries and the DMFT index.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Self-perception of oral health was associated with OHIP-14 and the clinical indicators had low influence in the self-perception. Therefore, the development of educational initiatives and preventive strategies for the adult population is recommended.
authors.affiliation: Araraquara School of Dentistry, University of Sao Paulo State, Araraquara, SP, Brazil. bandeca1@hotmail.com
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Bandéca
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Nadalin
authors.forename: L R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Calixto
authors.forename: J R C
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Saad
authors.forename: S R C
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: da Silva
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004245:DMF Index; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D059026:Diagnostic Self Evaluation; D004522:Educational Status; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009909:Oral Health; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D010512:Periodontal Index; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012494:Sampling Studies; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population; D055815:Young Adult