The prevalence and common risk indicators of root caries and oral health service utilization pattern among adults, a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Root caries is a prevalent oral health concern among adults, yet there remains a need for a comprehensive understanding of its occurrence and associated risk indicators. The present study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of root caries and to determine significantly associated indicators with it among adults. METHODS: The residents aged 35–74 years old were enrolled in a cross-sectional study in which dental examination were taken and structured questionnaires were collected in Zhejiang Province, China. All data were recorded in an electronic system and analyzed. RESULTS: The prevalence of decayed and filled root caries in 1,076 respondents was 31.9%. Elder age, greater attachment loss, and exposed root surface were associated with higher odds of incidence for decayed/filled roots and decayed roots. In the last 12 months, 27.4% of adults with decayed or filled roots and 23.2% of others utilized oral health services. Carious adults who had a very poor/poor oral health status were 2.905 times likely to report dental visits. People with sound roots who were female (OR = 2.103, P < 0.001), perceived their oral health status as moderate (OR = 1.802, P = 0.015), or poor/very poor (OR = 4.103, P < 0.001) were more likely to visit a dentist in the past 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Age, attachment loss and root exposure were most significantly associated with the prevalence of root caries. Individuals who recognize their poor or very poor oral health status should feel encouraged to make use of oral health services.