An Exploration of the Oral Health-Seeking Behaviour of Adults A Mixed-Methods Systematic Literature Review

BACKGROUND: Despite oral diseases being preventable, they affect nearly half of the global population. However, it is estimated that 46% of individuals do not routinely visit the dentist. The delayed utilisation of dental services results in irreversible morbidity, reduced quality of life, loss of economic productivity, and mortality.  OBJECTIVES: To assess the oral health-seeking behaviour (OHSB) of adults and explore factors influencing it. METHODS: Following the Johanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed, Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, and Google Scholar was conducted for articles from 2015 to 2025 that included adults aged 18 and older. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies were included and assessed for inclusion using the JBI appraisal tools. The thematic analysis approach was used to synthesize and present findings. RESULTS: Three themes emerged regarding the OHSB of adults: the delayed use of dental services, non-utilisation of dental services, and enablers of dental service utilisation (DSU). Sub-themes emerging under delayed use of dental services were socioeconomic and psychosocial factors. Under non-utilisation of dental services, sociodemographic, intrapersonal factors and the use of alternative treatment pathways were sub-themes. Sub-themes emerging under enablers of DSU were need and health system factors. CONCLUSION: Poor OHSB of adults results in morbidity, reduced quality of life, and mortality. The avoidance of dental services is influenced by sociodemographic, intrapersonal factors and the use of alternative treatment pathways. Delayed DSU is driven by socioeconomic and psychosocial factors, and need and health system factors are enablers of DSU. However, further in-depth research is required on how social, cultural, and health system factors influence OHSB in varying contexts.