Year 2000 Oral Health Status

The Year 2000 Oral Health status of Irish adults, including tooth brushing behaviour and reported preventive regimes to prevent tooth decay, are contained in the following tables.

A survey questionnaire was included on an omnibus survey of Irish adults* aged 15+ between the 26th of September and the 6th of October 2000. The survey sample was random, but quota controlled by sex, status, class, region and area to ensure representation of the adult population.

* Total sample size 1180 adults

The Self Reported Dental Health Status in Irish People

Base: All Adults 15+	(1180) %
Have all their own teeth	52
Have own teeth, no dentures - but some teeth missing	19
Have dentures as well as some of own teeth	13
Have full dentures	14
Have no teeth or dentures	1

The Reported Brushing Behaviour of Irish Adults

Base: All who have all/some of own teeth	(993) %
Twice a day/ or more	70
Once a day	24
A few times every week	4
About once a week	0
Less often	0
Never	1

The Percentage of People Who Claim to Use a Fluoride Toothpaste

Base: All who have all/some of own teeth	(993) %
Always	41
Sometimes	32
I do not use toothpaste	1
I don't know what's in the toothpaste I use	23
I used to use fluoride toothpaste, but I don't anymore	3

The Reported Preventive Measures Taken by Irish Adults to Help Prevent Tooth Decay

Base: All Adults 15+	(1180) %
Regular/frequent brushing of teeth	73
Regular dental visits/check-ups	33
Correct diet/watch sugar intake	28
Toothpaste with fluoride in it	3
Regular flossing	5
Good oral health practices	3
Fluoride in drinking water	1
Other	6
No reply	2

Further Information

Information relating to the health status and lifestyle factors of the Irish population together with a comparison to the other EU member states is available on the Department of Health and Children's website.
"http://www.doh.ie/statistics/health_statistics/health_status.html"

Regional Health Boards (see our links page) may also provide statistical data.