Social determinants and oral hygiene index in adolescents: a literatura reviewal en adolescentes: revisión de la literatura

The aim of this study is to analyze the current literature regarding social determinants and their relationship with oral hygiene index in adolescents. A systematic literature review was conducted using scientific databases such as Taylor & Francis, Web of Science, Ovid, PubMed, and ProQuest. The search included the keywords: “social determinants,” “gingivitis,” and “adolescents.” Articles published within the last five years (up to October 2023), in both Spanish and English, were selected. Articles that were not open access, duplicates, or unrelated to the topic were excluded. The results reveal a direct relationship between social determinants and the presence of dental caries and bacterial plaque. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to education, and healthcare services significantly influence both individual and collective oral hygiene habits. Lower socioeconomic levels are associated with a higher likelihood of adolescents and other age groups developing oral diseases, due to a lack of knowledge and limited resources to access preventive care. These conditions negatively impact quality of life, leading to pain, discomfort, and low self-esteem.