Oral-Dental Health Problems and Related Risk Factors Among Low Socio-Economic Status Students

Abstract

AIM: Oral health is still the most important health problem for school age-children. It is important to determine the modifiable risk factors for the control and management of dental problems. Although comparison of risk between groups of high and low socioeconomic status, it need to assessed risk factor within the low socioeconomic group. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was held on a sample of 151 students who are disadvantaged socio-economic status, between the ages of 7-15. The data were collected with a questionnaire, including oral health screening and possible risk factors. The data were summarized as the number and percentage, analysis of odds ratios and confidence interval were used. RESULTS: According to the results of oral health screening 74.8% of students had dental caries and 44.4% had poor oral hygiene. We found that average of missing teeth 1.12±1.4; stained teeth 1.69±2.1, dental caries 3.07±2.8. Age, gender, mother's education were not risk factors for dental caries. Father’s education level of secondary and below (OR:4.272 Cl:1.893-9,644); not having toothbrush (OR:3.938, Cl:1.526-10.167);and not to consume milk per day (OR:3,043, Cl:1.395-6,635) were important risk factors effected oral health negatively. Risk factors for poor oral hygiene were under the age of 10 (OR:2.0202 Cl:1.410-4,253); mother's education level of primary school and below (OR:3,051 Cl:1,471-6,329); father’s education level of secondary and below (OR:9,212 Cl:3,056-27,773); not having toothbrush (OR: 4.258, CI :2,096-8, 650) and not to consume milk per day (OR: 2.240, CI :1,661-4 .3622). CONCLUSIONS: Poor socio-economic situation is considered a major risk for dental health however parents with low education, not having toothbrush and not to consume milk per day were risk factors for dental health negatively affect. Providing toothbrush for students with low socioeconomic status and distribution of milk in school can decrease the problems of in terms of dental health for this group