The Connection Between Socioeconomic Status and Oral Hygiene Practices Among Patients at Canarsie Family Dentistry

Abstract

Introduction. Oral diseases remain a challenge in the US, with higher prevalence among underprivileged, minority, and elderly populations. Dental caries and periodontal diseases affect about 60% of adults in New York. This research investigates how socioeconomic status (SES) affects oral health care in the studied population. Method. A quality improvement project was conducted at Canarsie Family Dentistry from January to March 2024. A non-validated multiple-choice questionnaire was distributed among respondents recruited from the clinic’s lobby using convenience sampling. The gathered data was inputted into a protected Excel file, and the chi-square test and multinomial regression analysis were utilized. Results. 218 questionnaires indicated significant (p < 0.05) oral hygiene disparities linked to income and education. Higher-income (n=151) and more educated (n=137) individuals exhibited superior oral hygiene behaviors, including mouthwash use, toothbrushing frequency and duration, tongue cleaning, and flossing. Multinomial regression analysis confirmed that higher-income individuals showed better oral hygiene, longer brushing duration (OR=3.96, p < 0.01), regular tongue cleaning (OR=2.99, p < 0.01), increased brushing frequency (OR=2.41, p=0.03), and regular flossing (OR=3.90, p < 0.01). Conversely, middle-income individuals showed significance only in brushing duration (OR=2.15, p=0.02) and flossing frequency (OR=2.50, p < 0.01). Discussion & Conclusion. Income and education levels are risk factors for oral hygiene practices, impacting public health. This Quality Improvement project aims to ensure equity in oral health care. To narrow disparities among different SES levels measures such as distributing informative pamphlets, providing free dental hygiene kits, and using personalized care strategies may seem promising.