Introduction The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of impacts of oral health status on quality of life among adults, Brazil.

Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out of 501 adults between 35 and 59 years, living in five different areas covered by the Community Health Agents Program/Family Health Strategy (CHAP/FHS) in Salvador—Bahia, Brazil. Data were collected from July to October, 2008, through interviews and clinical examination that's used indexes and criteria according Examiner's Manual SB Brazil project (2001). Data on the impact of oral health on the quality of daily living based upon the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) indicator. Exploratory analyses were tested by Pearson's χ².

Results OIDP mean score was 12.1±6.3 and 39.7% reported that their mouth affected their pattern of daily living. Oral impacts levels were lowest in subjects with the less loss of periodontal attachment. The most common oral impacts were on eating (20.6%) followed by the ones related to aesthetics (smiling −16.4%). Approximately 15% of the adults had oral impacts on cleaning teeth and relaxing. Oral impacts were more prevalent among the female (19.3%).

Conclusions This survey has shown that the oral status of adults fairly frequently affects their quality of life, and in particular, the ability to eat. Assess the oral health-related Quality of life promotes a more complex understanding of oral health, adds a subjective perspective to clinical interventions that's provide measures to improve the quality of life of patients.