Health and oral health literacy: A comprehensive literature review from theory to practice

Abstract

BackgroundHealth literacy (HL) refers to an individual's ability to access, understand, and apply health information to make informed decisions about their health. On the contrary, oral health literacy (OHL) focuses on an individual's ability to understand and utilize oral health information to maintain good oral health.AimThis study presents a comprehensive literature review that explores the theoretical foundations and practical applications of HL and OHL.DesignA comprehensive search was conducted using keywords on the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.ResultsThe existing literature on various aspects of HL, including the most common used definitions of HL, conceptual frameworks, and consequences of limited health and OHL, was summarized. Additionally, the review discussed the significance of HL and OHL. Also, the relation between parent level of OHL and children's oral health was described. It further highlights modern approaches that have been shown in previous studies to improve the OHL of primary caregivers.ConclusionsUnderstanding the significance of HL and OHL is crucial in developing effective interventions that can address disparities and improve oral health outcomes for individuals of all backgrounds.