Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Oral Health and Oral Health Practices among Patients of 5-12yrs of Age – An Institution Based Study

Abstract Background: Among the many factors that influence oral health, socioeconomic status is a major factor. Research revealed a direct and inverse association between children's dental caries prevalence and socioeconomic status. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of parents’ socioeconomic position on oral health and oral health practices in children aged 5 to 12 who visit the Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry outpatient clinic at Government Dental College in Kozhikode. Materials and Methods: In an institution-based cross-sectional study, 700 children between the ages of 5 and 12 who visited the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry at Government Dental College in Kozhikode for treatment were evaluated over the course of five months. The WHO Oral Health Assessment Form 2013 for children and the WHO Oral Health Questionnaire for children were used by the principal investigator to assess and interview the study population. Based on their socioeconomic status as determined by the Modified Kuppuswamy socio-economic scale revised for 2019, dental caries were clinically examined using the decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index. Results: The overall mean DMFT and deft value observed was 0.95 ± 1.52 and 4.99±4.02 respectively. The highest mean deft value was of SEC II (5.86 ± 4.55). It was observed that the amount of sugar consumption as biscuits, cream cakes, sweets etc. was high in children of high socioeconomic status which was statistically significant. Conclusion: The study revealed a direct correlation between children's caries prevalence and their parents' socioeconomic position. The finding highlights that knowledge gaps and poor oral hygiene practices can exist even in higher socioeconomic groups. Clinical significance: Dental caries in children, causes pain and discomfort which affects their physical growth and also places a financial burden on parents. These highlights need for comprehensive, well-structured oral health education and promotion programs in schools.