A cross-sectional survey to assess the effect of socioeconomic status on the oral hygiene habits

Abstract

Background:It is widely accepted that there are socioeconomic inequalities in oral health. A socioeconomic gradient is found in a range of clinical and self-reported oral health outcomes.Aim:The present study was conducted to assess the differences in oral hygiene practices among patients from different socioeconomic status (SES) visiting the Outpatient Department of the Sudha Rustagi College of Dental Sciences.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted from June to October 2014 to assess the effect of SES on the oral hygiene habits. The questionnaire included the questions related to the demographic profile and assessment of the oral hygiene habits of the study population.Results:Toothbrush and toothpaste were being used significantly (P < 0.05) more by lower middle class (84.4%) and upper middle class (100.0%). A significantly higher frequency of cleaning teeth (twice a day) was reported among the lower middle class (17.2%) and upper middle class (21.5%). The majority (34.3%) of the study population changed their toothbrush once in 3 months. The cleaning of tongue was reported by patients belonging to the upper middle (62.0%), lower middle (52.1%), and upper lower class (30.0%). The use of tongue cleaner was reported to be significantly (P < 0.05) more among upper middle (10.1%) class patients. A significantly higher number of patients from the lower class (81.3%) never visited a dentist.Conclusion:The oral hygiene practices of the patients from upper and lower middle class was found to be satisfactory whereas it was poor among patients belonging to lower and upper lower class.

Cepillado dental y niveles de flúor en pastas dentales usadas por niños peruanos menores de 12 años

“…Si bien, a nivel mundial el cepillado con dentífricos fluorados se ha incrementado en las últimas décadas, la población de menores ingresos, residentes de áreas rurales, bajo nivel educativo y con menor acceso a servicios de salud oral, usan dentífrico con concentraciones inadecuadas de flúor (menos de 1000 ppm) (5,13,14) . Esto se puede atribuir al desconocimiento de la población, transferencia de información desactualizada de parte del personal de salud e incapacidad para adquirir dentífricos con cantidades de flúor adecuadas, poniendo a la población en un riesgo mayor de padecer caries (7) .…”

Investigation of the Impact of Endodontic Therapy on Survival among Dialysis Patients in Taiwan: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study

“…Toothbrushes and toothpaste are the most commonly used oral hygiene products and represent the most effective way to clean teeth. Previous studies have demonstrated that patients with upper SES tend to have sufficient cleaning aids for personal oral hygiene, whereas this is lacking among patients with a lower SES [ 31 , 32 , 33 ]. The potential benefit of dental health is reflected in survival, cardiovascular events, and quality of life, which might be significant in adults with CKD compared with other settings due to the more severe spectrum of oral disease and infrequent use of dental care practices [ 17 ].…”

Comparison of Oral Health Status of Students Attending Three Different Education Systems in Pakistan

“…5 Studies have shown a lack of oral health awareness in human populations with limited education and low socioeconomic status (SES). 6,7 The report from the US committee on oral health strategic framework showsincreased differences in the oral health status of individuals with a high SES and those with low SES over the last decade. The reason behind this difference is expensive dental care.…”