Oral health-related food avoidance and food insecurity among U.S. adults: NHANES 2021–2023

This study examined the association between self-reported oral health – related food avoidance and household food insecurity among U.S. adults using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2021–2023. Food insecurity was defined using the U.S. Food Security Survey Module. Survey-weighted logistic regression adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, health insurance status, and access to care. Oral health – related food avoidance was associated with food insecurity (OR 2.46; 95% CI 1.81–3.34), with higher odds across increasing frequency. Findings were similar in sensitivity analyses and after adjustment for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Findings indicate that oral health – related food avoidance was associated with household food insecurity.