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Tooth Brushing, Flossing, and Preventive Dental Visits by Detroit‐area Residents in Relation to Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors
Author(s) -
Ronis David L.,
Lang W. Paul,
Farghaly Mahassen M.,
Passow Elaine
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
journal of public health dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1752-7325
pISSN - 0022-4006
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-7325.1993.tb02692.x
Subject(s) - socioeconomic status , medicine , psychological intervention , gerontology , tooth brushing , environmental health , demography , population , nursing , brush , toothbrush , sociology , electrical engineering , engineering
A survey was conducted to identify (a) factors that influence preventive dental behaviors and (b) target groups for interventions. Data were collected in face‐to‐face interviews with a probability sample of 662 dentate adults living in the Detroit tricounty area. The interviews included questions about demographic and socioeconomic variables and about three preventive behaviors: brushing, flossing, and preventive dental visits. All behaviors were positively associated with socioeconomic status. Females were more likely than males to perform each of the behaviors at the recommended frequency. The behaviors were only weakly associated with age. Whites were more likely than nonwhites to make regular dental visits, but frequency of brushing and flossing did not vary substantially across racial groups. The impact of race on frequency of dental visits was reduced when socioeconomic status was statistically controlled. Findings suggest that socioeconomic status, race, and sex remain important considerations when planning dental health education or other interventions.