Self-reported Oral Health Problems in Nigeria

Objective: To estimate the proportion of adults living in Benin City, Nigeria with toothache and other oral health problems. Methods: A purposive sample of 540 persons was surveyed, 48% males and 52% females, aged 18-54 years old, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A closed ended self-administered questionnaire assessed self perceived oral health problems, dental visits and sociodemographic information. Results: Of the 540 questionnaires, 508 (94%) were useable. The proportion reporting toothache in the previous year was 34%; broken tooth/filling 14%; broken denture or bridge or crown 3%; painful or bleeding gum 28%; ulcer or painful spot in the mouth 14%, and some loose teeth 10%. Bivariate analysis showed that toothache was associated with dental visits (p<0.0001), age (p<0.0001) gender (p<0.0001); and tribe/ethnicity (p<0.01). Experience with bleeding gums was associated with gender (p<0.0001) and dental visit(p<0.0001). Oral ulcers was associated with gender (p<0.004) and age (<0.0001). Fewer males than females reported toothaches (25% vs. 42%), but more males reported bleeding gums (37% vs. 19%) and oral ulcers (19% vs. 10%). Conclusions: A reasonable proportion of adults reported oral health problems, and this was associated with gender. Oral health education and promotion strategies should be instituted to prevent and reduce levels of oral health problems in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.