Fewer Scots are edentulous and more visit a dentist
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- Published: Thursday, 19 February 2015 08:37
- Written by News Editor
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The Scottish Government has reported that in 2013, nine in ten adults had some natural teeth, in line with their target that 90% of all adults living in Scotland would possess some natural teeth by 2010, although the proportion for women remained below the target level. In 2013, three quarters (74%) of adults reported visiting the dentist in the year prior to interview, an increase from 69% in 2009.
Highlights of the report
Natural teeth prevalence
- In 2013, nine in ten adults had some natural teeth, with men significantly more likely than women to report having at least some (92%, compared with 88%). Although the Scottish Government's target that 90% of all adults living in Scotland would possess some natural teeth by 2010 was met overall, the proportion for women remained below the target level.
- The proportion of 16 to 64 year olds with no natural teeth has decreased since 1995 (11%), and has remained at around 4% since 2008.
- In line with earlier years, in 2013, natural teeth prevalence decreased with age, with just over half (55%) of adults aged over 75 reporting some natural teeth. Older men were significantly more likely than older women to have some natural teeth (64% of those aged 75 and over, compared with 49% of women of the same age).
Visiting the dentist
- In 2013, three quarters (74%) of adults reported visiting the dentist in the year prior to interview, an increase from 69% in 2009.
- Women remain more likely than men to have been to the dentist in the previous year (76%, compared with 71% of men).
- Older people aged 75 and above were least likely to report having visited the dentist in the last year (52%, compared with 67% of those aged 65-74 and 75-81% of those aged 16-64).
- Four in ten adults reported feeling nervous about visiting the dentist. Women were more likely than men to report feeling very nervous about going (20%, compared with 13%).
- Most adults (72%) did not report experiencing any difficulties when visiting the dentist. One in ten mentioned difficulties in getting an appointment that suited, while a similar proportion reported that dental treatment was too expensive (9%).
The report can be found at:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2014/12/9982/8
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