RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LIFESTYLE AND ORAL HEALTH

Abstract

Many cultural practices, conventions, and tenets make up people's lifestyles. Healthful behaviors are necessary for good health. Poor nutrition, inactivity, smoking, obesity, and diabetes are major causes of tooth decay and gum disease. This study compared the dental health of affluent and underprivileged people by examining their lifestyles. A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2020 and January 2021 to compare the dental health and lifestyle behaviors of people from different socio-economic classes. Low-SEC students were selected from a public university in Lyari, while high-SEC students were selected from a private medical school. The study used a standardized questionnaire to assess socio-economic status and lifestyle behaviors such as sleep and leisure and conducted thorough extra- and intra-oral examinations to report dental caries prevalence. The data was analyzed using SPSS 23. The most significant factor in the high prevalence of dental caries (p<0.05) in the low socio-economic group was the time spent watching television. There was also no correlation between the other factors, such as interest in reading or computer use. This study suggested examining lifestyle and socio-economic status's effects on oral health. Health awareness, dental treatment availability, and socio-economic level affect oral health practices and lifestyle. TV harms teeth. Thus, oral health and disease prevention require healthy and active lifestyles in young children and adults. This study linked dental health to socio-economic status. Income and education are risk factors for poor oral health.