Socio-demographics, Oral Health Behavior, and Physical Activity: Factors in Caries Experience Among 19–59 Years Old Adults in a Malaysian Population

Abstract

Dental caries is one of the common diseases that are attributed by many factors. Many from the adult population are afflicted with dental caries. This study aimed to determine the predictors of developing dental caries among adults. Three hundred and thirty four adults participated in this study. Information gathered includes their socio-demographic backgrounds, oral health behaviour, physical activity level, body mass index, body fat percentages, visceral fat level, and dental missing filled extracted teeth (DMFX) index. All standard protocols were observed and DMFX was examined using the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Prevalence of dental caries was 87.4%, inclusive of 61.3% of female respondents with caries experience. Most of the study participants were overweight. Only the consumption of high sugar food (p=0.03) was found to be connected between dental caries and oral health behaviours. Regression analysis (p<0.001) showed that older age (p<0.001), regular visits to dental clinic per year (p=0.012), lower education level (p=0.025), and lower physical activity (p=0.008) were significant factors in developing dental caries among this study population. Older aged adults, frequent appointment with the dentist, lower education in oral health, and lower physical activity were possible factors for dental caries presence