Oral health disparities between LGB and non-LGB individuals in the United States

This study examines potential oral health disparities among both heterosexual and sexual minority adults while also investigating sex-based differences in the association between sexual orientation and poor oral health. Pooled data (2007-2016) were used from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for men and women aged 18-59. Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the association between sexual orientation and self-reported oral health. Data from 20,298 participants were included in this analysis. Compared with non-LGB individuals, LGB individuals had higher odds of reporting poor oral health overall in both the unadjusted (OR = 1.20 95% CI = 1.04-1.38) and adjusted (OR= 1.21 95% CI 1.04-1.40) analyses. After stratifying by sex and adjusting for covariates, LGB women had 38% increased odds of having poor oral health compared with their non-LGB counterparts (OR= 1.38 95% CI 1.14-1.67). Sexual orientation was not associated with poor oral health in males, with adjusted odds close to null comparing LBG men with their non-LGB counterparts (OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.74 - 1.29). The findings in this study indicate more work is needed to improve oral health in the LGB community, an often underserved population, and advances health equity promotion. Findings can inform oral health prevention and reduce health disparities among LGB populations.