Tooth brushing, flossing, and preventive dental visits by Detroit-area residents in relation to demographic and socioeconomic factors.
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.
Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48106-1248.
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Ronis
W P
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Lang
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Farghaly
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Passow
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D000367:Age Factors; D003710:Demography; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D007347:Insurance, Dental; D008297:Male; D008824:Michigan / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011313:Preventive Dentistry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D044465:White People