KUOPIO, Finland — Oral health is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of overall well-being, with growing concerns around tooth erosion, cavities, and periodontal disease. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare has recently released the results of its Healthy Finland Survey, conducted between 2022 and 2023, to assess health, well-being, and service usage across Finland. This extensive survey marks the first nationwide examination of tooth erosion, revealing alarming trends and underlining the urgent need for preventive care and early intervention.
The survey included both questionnaires and clinical health examinations, gathering data from mainland Finland and Åland. A specific oral health component was completed in 2023, incorporating clinical checkups and a detailed questionnaire covering perceived oral health, dental anxiety, and utilization of oral health services. The study assessed various aspects of participants’ oral health, including the condition of their teeth, gum attachment, use of dentures, and the prevalence of decayed and restored teeth. A total of 1,798 adults participated in clinical exams, with 1,669 individuals responding to the oral health survey.
The results showed that, on average, adults under 65 with natural teeth retained more than 25 teeth. However, edentulism (tooth loss) was notably more common in individuals aged 75 and above, with both men and women averaging fewer than 20 teeth. Notably, the overall proportion of people with complete tooth loss appears to be decreasing.
Improvements in oral hygiene were also observed, particularly among men, though women continue to maintain better brushing habits. The survey found that 80% of women and 57% of men brushed their teeth at least twice daily.
Concerningly, 71% of respondents exhibited signs of minor tooth erosion, while 17% experienced moderate erosion. Erosion was especially prevalent among younger adults, with 53% of women and 78% of men aged 20–34 affected. This suggests that tooth erosion poses a significant risk to dental health across all age groups in Finland.
Additionally, the survey revealed that 74% of adults had at least one gingival pocket deeper than 4 mm, and 19% had pockets deeper than 6 mm, indicating widespread periodontal attachment loss. Caries were also common, with 40% of adults having at least one decayed tooth, and the average number of restored teeth among adults was 10, with an average of 2.5 amalgam fillings. Younger adults generally had more teeth and fewer decayed or filled teeth compared to older generations.
A major barrier to timely dental care in Finland is dental anxiety. The survey found that 40% of adults reported feeling at least somewhat fearful about visiting the dentist, with women more likely to express anxiety than men. The level of fear remained consistent with previous surveys, indicating that addressing dental anxiety is crucial for improving oral health outcomes.
In conclusion, while oral health challenges persist across all age groups, the need for dental care is particularly high among older adults, reflected in their higher rates of tooth loss, denture use, and poorer oral health. The findings underscore the necessity for targeted preventive strategies and treatment approaches, particularly for aging populations, to address the ongoing oral health crisis in Finland.
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