The Root of the Problem: Dental Health Disparities in New Mexico

Abstract

Factors that contribute to general health disparities also contribute to dental health disparities. Using postmortem CT scans from the New Mexico Decedent Image Database, we investigated dental health among recently (2010-2017) deceased New Mexicans. We predicted that race/ethnicity, substance use, and rural living are associated with poorer dental health. The sample (n = 305) represents 32 of the 33 counties in the state, with equal representation of sex and race/ethnicity (European American [EA], Hispanic/Latinx [HL], and Native American [NA]). Data included presence/absence for missing teeth, restorations, abscesses, and decayed teeth. Analyses incorporated logistic regression, odds ratios, and probability plots. Missing teeth correlated with sex and race/ethnicity (HL and NA, compared to EA). Females were 3.8 times more likely and NA decedents were 4.4 times more likely to have missing teeth. High drinking decedents were 1.6 times more likely, and females were 1.7 times more likely to have restorations. Severely decayed teeth and abscesses correlated with race/ethnicity (HL and NA). Our study revealed that high drinking status, sex (female), and being NA or HL negatively affect dental health among New Mexicans. These same factors relate to health disparities in general and indicate long standing issues with health equity in New Mexico.