Jersey Liang1, Bei Wu2, Brenda Plassman2, Joan M Bennett3, Jim Beck4. 1. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA jliang@umich.edu. 2. Duke University, Durham, NC, USA. 3. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA. 4. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed how oral hygiene (i.e., brushing, rinsing, and flossing) influences the trajectories of dental caries (i.e., numbers of decayed, missing, and filled teeth) among older Americans within the context of social stratification. METHOD: Data came from Piedmont Dental Study that involved a sample of 810 older Americans who were dentate in 1988 with up to four repeated observations through 1994. Hierarchical linear models were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Brushing, flossing, and rinsing were associated with the trajectories of dental caries in distinct ways. In addition, oral hygiene was correlated with race, education, household income, and use of dental care. The effects of brushing and flossing on decayed and missing teeth remained robust, even when socio-demographic and health attributes were controlled. Conversely, socioeconomic disparities in dental caries persisted, when oral hygiene was adjusted. DISCUSSION: Both social stratification and oral hygiene need to be considered in promoting oral health.
OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed how oral hygiene (i.e., brushing, rinsing, and flossing) influences the trajectories of dental caries (i.e., numbers of decayed, missing, and filled teeth) among older Americans within the context of social stratification. METHOD: Data came from Piedmont Dental Study that involved a sample of 810 older Americans who were dentate in 1988 with up to four repeated observations through 1994. Hierarchical linear models were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Brushing, flossing, and rinsing were associated with the trajectories of dental caries in distinct ways. In addition, oral hygiene was correlated with race, education, household income, and use of dental care. The effects of brushing and flossing on decayed and missing teeth remained robust, even when socio-demographic and health attributes were controlled. Conversely, socioeconomic disparities in dental caries persisted, when oral hygiene was adjusted. DISCUSSION: Both social stratification and oral hygiene need to be considered in promoting oral health.
Authors: Celia F Hybels; Bei Wu; Lawrence R Landerman; Jersey Liang; Joan M Bennett; Brenda L Plassman Journal: J Public Health Dent Date: 2016-04-07 Impact factor: 1.821