Objective. To investigate sense of coherence in relation to oral health status in an adult Swedish population in order to better understand the determinants of positive oral health-promoting behavior and differences in oral health.

Material and methods. A stratified random sample of 910 individuals from Jönköping, Sweden aged 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 years was obtained. The investigation used the Swedish short version of the Sense of Coherence (SOC) questionnaire comprising 13 items and a self-report questionnaire to elicit demographic information. In addition, a clinical and radiographic oral examination was performed.

Results. A total of 525 individuals, 261 men and 264 women, consented to participate in the study. Bivariate analysis revealed that higher mean SOC scores were statistically significantly associated with more decayed and filled surfaces (DFS) and filled surfaces (FS), fewer decayed surfaces (DS), fewer teeth with calculus and periodontal health. Multivariate analysis showed that higher SOC scores represented a predictor of fewer occurrences of a periodontal probing pocket depth of ‡4 mm and a lower risk of plaque in different regression models.

Conclusions. Higher SOC scores may be a protective determinant of plaque and periodontal disease, indicating an association between SOC and oral health.