Oral health-related behaviours among dentate adults in Finland: findings from the Finnish Health 2000 Survey.

The aim of this study was to assess oral health-related behaviours among dentate adults. As part of the comprehensive Finnish Health 2000 Survey, this study included dentate subjects, 30-64 yr of age (n = 4,417). Based on interview and questionnaire data, information on nine oral health-related habits was elicited. On average, study subjects reported 4.4 (SD = 1.5) oral health-promoting behaviours among the nine behaviours investigated, the mean number differing according to subjects' gender, educational level, marital status, and employment status. Older age, higher level of education, cohabiting, and being employed were indications of higher numbers of oral health-promoting habits than were younger age, lower levels of education, being single, or being unemployed. Oral health-promotion activities should be tailored and targeted in terms of adults' socio-economic and demographic characteristics, and directed especially towards men, those with lower education, and those who are single or unemployed.