Self-liking, self-competence, body investment and perfectionism: associations with oral health status and oral-health-related behaviours.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate whether self-liking, self-competence, body investment and perfectionism were associated with self-reported oral health status and oral-health-related behaviours.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study sample consisted of 217 first-year dental students. The questionnaire included information about sociodemographic factors, behavioural variables, self-reported oral health status, self-liking, self-competence, body investment and perfectionism.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found on self-liking, self-competence and body investment subscales according to several variables: perceived dental health, current non-treated caries, current extracted teeth, satisfaction by the appearance of own teeth, the last time toothache occurred, self-reported gingival condition and self-reported gum bleeding. When oral health behaviours were analysed, an association between self-liking, self-competence and body investment subscales and flossing, mouthrinse and dental visit pattern was revealed. Toothbrushing frequency once a day or less was observed in persons with low-levels of self-liking, body care, body protection and perfectionism. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that age, gender, smoking habits, anxiety, stress, depression in everyday life, self-liking, self-competence, body image, care and protection were positively associated with oral health behaviours.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggested that self-liking, self-competence and body investment subscales might be the psychosocial risk markers that influence self-reported oral health status and behaviour.