Ingredients in dentifrices and their effect on plaque, gingivitis and mutans streptococci

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate attitudes and opinions of old, independently living people about their oral health and how it has affected them through life. Material and methods: A random selection of 12 individuals was made in a group of 79 individuals who earlier participated in a study about self‐reported oral health. The average age was 78.4 years. An interview guide was used as support to focus on oral health. The respondents themselves decided what was important within the topics. The respondents were encouraged to speak freely about their childhood, family, social relations, memories from early dental care, general health situation, experience from health care, life and their future. The interviews were recorded and extended from 60 to 90 min. All of them were transcribed and analysed with phenomenological method inspired by Giogi. The analysis was made by two researchers independently. After 11 interviews, no new information was found; similar opinions, answers and stories recurred. Results: Seven of 11 respondents were born and grown up in the countryside and had moved to Stockholm in the forties. Awareness about dental care was generally low. Many of them have terrible memories from early dental visits, and the dentist was authoritarian and rough. Many had no memories of brushing their teeth as a child. Most of the respondents went to dentists as adults and when they could afford to pay by themselves. After retirement, all have continuous dental care and have visited a dental hygienist during the last 20 years. Nine of 11 have regular contact with a dental hygienist. Most of them are satisfied with their oral health and want to continue being clean and healthy in the mouth. Conclusions: Most of the respondents experienced an improved oral health, information and instructions from the dental hygienist have affected their self‐care. Many tell that they have become more aware and carry out the oral hygiene more carefully after retirement. All of them experience that oral health affects the quality of life.