Objective: To describe differences among 50 years olds in 1992 and 2002, and to follow changes in attitudes during a ten years period among those born in 1942.
Methods: All registered inhabitants in Örebro and Östergötland counties born 1942 (n=8260, response rate 75,5%) and 1952 (n=8878, response rate 70,2%) received a questionnaire. They were identified from data from the bureau of national statistics. Data reported here are crude data.
Results: Questions were selected about the perceived need for oral care, (ability to chew, number of teeth, satisfaction with mouth), and a series of questions combined into an index of discomfort.
There were small differences between the two 50 years old groups and in the cohort between 50 and 60 years of age. The level of perceived discomfort was less among those born in 1942 compared to those born 1952. Still, discomfort had increased by 6% during 10 years for those born 1942.
Chewing ability showed no differences between groups. The cohort born 1942 gave appearance of teeth an increased emphasis in 2002 compared to 1992 (+8%).
The prevalence of edentulousness in 2002 was 0,3% among those born 1952, and 2,3% among those born 1942. For those born 1942 edentulousness had only increased 0,4% during the last 10 years.
Conclusions: A questionnaire is a useful tool for planning in dentistry. Only small changes were seen in the perceived health during the 10-year period.