Tobacco use in relation to socioeconomic factors and dental care habits among Swedish individuals 15-70 years of age, 1983-2003.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to describe the use of tobacco and changes in its use over time among individuals living in Jönköping, Sweden, and to analyse tobacco habits in relation to socioeconomic conditions, personality aspects and dental care habits.

METHODS

This study comprised three epidemiological cross-sectional studies, involving a random selection of individuals aged between 15 and 70 years, and was conducted in 1983, 1993 and 2003. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire.

RESULTS

The results revealed a statistically significant reduction from 34% tobacco users in 1983 to 27% in 1993 and 28% in 2003. The main decrease was seen among smokers. At the same time, the number of users of snuff increased in all the age groups between 20 and 60 years of age. The use of tobacco was therefore largely unchanged in 1993 and 2003. In 2003, there was a statistically significant difference between users and non-tobacco users when it came to the frequency of dental visits; more tobacco users than non-tobacco users did not visit a dentist at all or did not visit a dentist regularly. In 1993, non-tobacco users brushed their teeth more frequently than tobacco users and this difference was statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

During the 20-year study, there was a reduction in the number of smokers and an increase in the number of snuff users. There was a difference between tobacco users and non-tobacco users when it came to the frequency of dental visits and oral hygiene habits.