Abstract
This qualitative study aimed to perceive the self-perception of oral health in users of Primary Care in Porto Alegre who use and/or need dental prosthesis. Data collection performed by odontology records analysis, field diaries and semi-structured home interviews with 70 health service users in age groups 15-19, 35-44 and 65-74 years who use and/or need dental prosthesis (intentional sample saturation). The reports of interviews were interpreted by Bardin thematic content analysis and ATLAS.ti software to support. The positive self-perception of oral health was perceived by adults and elderly who use well-fitting dental prosthesis that do not hurt the mouth and did not interfere in chewing, speech and communication. There was great appreciation of the use dental prosthesis for the possibility of oral rehabilitation. The desire of using dental prosthesis bumped in their high cost and limited access in the public service of the municipality. This information allows the analysis of the significance of oral health to Unified Health System users and can be used as a tool assessment need for dental treatment.
Key words:
self-concept; oral health; dental prosthesis; primary health care; qualitative research
