Knowledge, attitudes and behaviour in relation to dental health of adults in Belfast, Northern Ireland

The aim was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour related to dental health of adults living in two neighbouring areas in Belfast, Northern Ireland. 81 adults aged 30 yr or over from two neighbouring residential areas in South Belfast completed a structured interview. The responses of those who retained natural teeth were very different from those who were edentulous. Those in the higher socioeconomic status groups had clearer knowledge, more positive attitudes and more appropriate behaviour related to dental health than those in lower socioeconomic status groups. The differences between the residents of the two areas were less obvious than those noted between the different socioeconomic status groups. It was concluded that the results revealed misconceptions amongst adults in Northern Ireland regarding the causes of dental disease and how it might be prevented both in themselves and in their children.