Periodontal outcomes and social, racial and gender inequalities in Brazil: a systematic review of the literature between 1999 and 2008

Association of anxiety, age and oral health-related quality of life with periodontitis: A case-control study

OBJECTIVE

This case-control study evaluated the association of sociodemographic profile, mental health disorders and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) with periodontitis.

METHODS

Patients with periodontitis (PP, n = 50) and control patients (CP, n = 50) were allocated into 2 groups after a complete periodontal examination. Data collection included age, sex, marital status, education and application of 2 questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for the diagnosis of anxiety/depression and Impact Profile on Oral Health (OHIP-14) for classification of well-being. An adjusted multiple binary logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the effect of all studied covariates on periodontitis.

RESULTS

The results show that mean clinical attachment loss and periodontal probing depth were 5.92 (SD = 0.42) and 5.46 (SD = 0.78) in PP and 0.00 (SD = 0.00) and 2.85 (SD = 0.23) in CP, respectively (p < 0.001). The regression analysis demonstrated a significant effect on periodontitis for age (OR = 1.13; p < 0.0001; 95% CI: 1.07-1.20), with the PP having more people aged 50 years or older than CP, anxiety (OR = 1.25; p = 0.020; 95% CI: 1.04-1.50) and OHIP-14 (OR = 1.17; p < 0.0001; 95% CI: 1.08-1.226).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings showed a positive association between anxiety, OHRQoL and age with periodontitis.

The economic and societal impact of periodontal and peri-implant diseases

Periodontal and peri-implant diseases result from a chronic inflammatory response to dysbiotic microbial communities and are characterized by inflammation in the soft tissue and the ensuing progressive destruction of supporting bone, resulting in tooth or implant loss. These diseases' high prevalence, multifactorial etiology, extensive treatment costs, and significant detriment to patients' quality-of-life underscore their status as a critical public health burden. This review delineates the economic and sociocultural ramifications of periodontal and peri-implant diseases on patient welfare and healthcare economics. We delve into the implications of diagnosis, treatment, supportive care, and managing destructive tissue consequences, contrasting these aspects with healthy patients.

Overadjustment bias in systematic reviews and meta-analyses of socio-economic inequalities in health: a meta-research scoping review

BACKGROUND

Overadjustment bias occurs when researchers adjust for an explanatory variable on the causal pathway from exposure to outcome, which leads to biased estimates of the causal effect of the exposure. This meta-research review aimed to examine how previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses of socio-economic inequalities in health have managed overadjustment bias.

METHODS

We searched Medline and Embase until 16 April 2021 for systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies on associations between individual-level socio-economic position and health outcomes in any population. A set of criteria were developed to examine methodological approaches to overadjustment bias adopted by included reviews (rated Yes/No/Somewhat/Unclear).

RESULTS

Eighty-four reviews were eligible (47 systematic reviews, 37 meta-analyses). Regarding approaches to overadjustment, whereas 73% of the 84 reviews were rated as Yes for clearly defining exposures and outcomes, all other approaches were rated as Yes for <55% of reviews; for instance, 5% clearly defined confounders and mediators, 2% constructed causal diagrams and 35% reported adjusted variables for included studies. Whereas only 2% included overadjustment in risk of bias assessment, 54% included confounding. Of the 37 meta-analyses, 16% conducted sensitivity analyses related to overadjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that overadjustment bias has received insufficient consideration in systematic reviews and meta-analyses of socio-economic inequalities in health. This is a critical issue given that overadjustment bias is likely to result in biased estimates of health inequalities and accurate estimates are needed to inform public health interventions. There is a need to highlight overadjustment bias in review guidelines.

Discriminant validity of the current gingivitis classification in adolescents: a cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To compare the prevalence of gingivitis estimated by the 2018 European Federation of Periodontology/American Academy of Periodontology (EFP/AAP) classification with the other case definitions and assess the ability of this classification system in discriminating sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with the presence of gingivitis in a cohort study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A multistage random sample of 1134 12-year-old adolescents was submitted to a full-mouth examination according to the Community Periodontal Index. Socioeconomic and clinical variables were collected at baseline. Gingivitis was considered according to the following criteria: (a) ≥ 10% of bleeding sites (the 2018 EFP/AAP criteria); (b) ≥ 15% of bleeding sites; and (c) the mean full-mouth bleeding sites. Adjusted multilevel Poisson regression assessed the association between independent variables at baseline and each definition of gingivitis at 2-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Seven hundred forty-two 14-year-old adolescents were re-revaluated at follow-up. The prevalence of gingivitis was 28.7% according to 10% of bleeding threshold. The 2018 EFP/AAP criteria and other definitions showed higher prevalence and mean of gingivitis for low-household income adolescents and for those with higher levels of dental plaque and untreated dental caries. Nonetheless, the highest strengths of association were observed for the threshold of ≥ 15% of bleeding sites.

CONCLUSION

The 2018 EFP/AAP case definition of gingivitis showed a similar discriminant validity compared to the 15% threshold and the mean full-mouth bleeding sites.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The 2018 EFP/AAP classification allows the discrimination of important risk factors and should be used for the establishment of priorities for large-scale therapeutic programs.

Does Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Differ by Income Group? Findings from a Nationally Representative Survey

OBJECTIVES

Clarify the association between income group and oral health-related quality of life.

METHODS

Data were used from a nationally representative online survey with n = 3075 individuals. It was conducted in late Summer 2021. The established Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-G5) was used to measure oral health-related quality of life. The income group (household net income) was used as key independent variable. It was adjusted for several covariates. Full-information maximum likelihood was used to address missing values.

RESULTS

Individuals in the lowest income decile had a lower oral health-related quality of life (Cohen's d = -0.34) compared to individuals in the second to ninth income deciles. Individuals in the highest income decile had a higher oral health-related quality of life (Cohen's d = 0.20) compared to individuals in the second to ninth income deciles. Consequently, there was a medium difference (Cohen's d = 0.53) between individuals in the lowest income decile and individuals in the highest income decile. Additionally, multiple linear regressions showed significant differences between individuals in the lowest income decile and individuals in the second to ninth income deciles (β = 0.72, p < 0.01). In contrast, only marginal significant differences were identified between individuals in the second to ninth income deciles and individuals in the highest income decile (β = -0.28, p < 0.10).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study particularly stressed the association between low income and low oral health-related quality of life in the general adult population. Increasing oral health-related quality of life in individuals with low income is a major issue which should be targeted.

Educational quality and oral health promotion in Brazilian schools: a multilevel analysis of national data

The aim of this study was to investigate whether educational quality is associated with schools' potential support for oral health promotion in Brazil, using a multilevel model. An ecological study was carried out using data from 940 public schools (school level) from the 27 Brazilian state capitals (city-level). The explanatory variable was educational quality, measured by the Basic Education Development Index (IDEB) for each city, and the four dependent variables referred to the Oral Health Promotion School Environment (OHPSE) indicator and its dimensions: Dimension 1 (In-school aspects), Dimension 2 (Aspects of the school surroundings), and Dimension 3 (Prohibitive policies at school). The OHPSE was developed using categorical principal components analysis (CATPCA) of data from the 2015 National Adolescent School-Based Health Survey (PeNSE). Covariates were human development index and oral health care coverage of cities. Multilevel Poisson regression models with robust variance were undertaken (p < 0.05). Bivariate associations were found between the IDEB and each Total OHPSE and OHPSE-Dimension 1 (In-school aspects: sale of foods with added sugar and health promotion actions/programs). After adjustment, IDEB (PR: 1.38, 95%CI: 1.01-1.90; p = 0.045) and oral health care coverage (PR: 1.01; 95%CI: 1.00-1.02; p = 0.001) remained associated with the OHPSE Dimension 1. It was concluded that educational quality measured by the IDEB was associated with schools' potential support for oral health promotion regarding the sale of foods with added sugar and health promotion actions/programs in schools.

Social and racial inequity in self-rated oral health in adults in Southern Brazil

This study aimed to estimate social and racial inequalities in self-rated oral health in adults from the Brazilian birth cohort study. This study belongs to 1982 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study. Data from this study was collected for oral health conditions 31 years old (Oral Health Study). The outcome was self-rated oral health, dichotomized into positive (good/very good) and negative (regular/bad/very bad). Analyses were stratified by gender, racial/skin color groups, schooling level and income. For statistical analysis, the slope index of inequality (SII) and the concentration index (CIX) were used. The prevalence of negative self-rated oral health was 36.1%. Social inequalities were observed in self-rated oral health in both absolute and relative terms. A SII of -30.0 (95%CI: -43.6; -16.4) was observed for income, and -27.7 (95%CI: -41.9; -13.4) for schooling level. Both the individuals’ income and the schooling level had negative CIX (CIXincome -14.6 [95%CI: -21.2; -8.0] and CIXschooling level -14.1 [95%CI: -20.7; -7.5]). Furthermore, the prevalence of negative self-rated oral health in black/brown/indigenous individuals from the highest income/schooling level was comparable to prevalence of the outcome in the white individuals belonging to the lowest income/schooling levels. This study results demonstrate racial disparities in oral health regardless of income and schooling levels. Furthermore, a higher concentration of negative self-rated oral health was identified among the most socioeconomically vulnerable individuals. Our findings reinforce the presence of racial and socioeconomic inequalities in oral health.

Influence of Micronutrient Intake, Sociodemographic, and Behavioral Factors on Periodontal Status of Adults Assisted by a Public Health Care System in Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Multivariate Analysis

The lack of access to a balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, can predispose people to inflammatory diseases such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, and periodontitis. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between micronutrient intake, sociodemographic behavioral characteristics, and periodontal health in adults assisted by a public health care system. Participants (n = 450) answered a food frequency questionnaire and were submitted to anthropometric and oral clinical examinations. Principal component analysis was used to summarize the number of components emerging from 17-micronutrient intake. Subsequently, cluster analysis was employed. The prevalence of at least one periodontal pocket ≥ 4 mm was 67.4%. Three clusters were identified according to periodontal status. Cluster 1 "poor periodontal status" was characterized by older individuals (n = 202; 85% females) with poor periodontal status, lower education level, mainly smokers with non-transmissible chronic diseases (NTCD), with lower energy, omega-3, fiber, Zn, K, Cu, and vitamin C intake. Cluster 3 "healthy periodontal status" included younger individuals (n = 54) with the healthiest periodontal status, a higher education level, without NTCD, and with higher energy, omega-3, fiber, Zn, calcium, retinol, and riboflavin intake. Cluster 2 was labeled as "intermediate periodontal status". Micronutrient ingestion was associated with periodontal status and may be considered in health promotion actions for low-income populations.

Factors associated with the needs of specialised dental treatment among adults aged 35-44 years old in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil: a multilevel cross-sectional study

This study evaluated the individual and contextual factors associated with the specialised dental treatment needs of a population of adults aged 35 to 44 years old in the state of Minas Gerais. The individual variables were obtained from the database of the SB Minas Gerais project - a survey of oral health status of the population of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The variables at the municipal level were derived from any available public databases related to oral health services. A multilevel analysis was performed to evaluate the association of independent individuals and contextual variables with or without dental treatment needs in the secondary care of the oral health network. Individuals with a higher income (OR 0.53; CI95% 0.31-0.93) and with greater access to oral health care (OR 0.94; CI95% 0.90-0.99) had less secondary care treatment needs. Income and access to oral health care are related to the needs of specialised dental treatment in Minas Gerais.

The Relationship between Income and Oral Health: A Critical Review

In this critical review, we summarized the evidence on associations between individual/household income and oral health, between income inequality and oral health, and income-related inequalities in oral health. Meta-analyses of mainly cross-sectional studies confirm that low individual/household income is associated with oral cancer (odds ratio, 2.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.59-3.65), dental caries prevalence (prevalence ratio, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.18-1.41), any caries experience (odds ratio, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.19-1.65), tooth loss (odds ratio, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.48-1.86), and traumatic dental injuries (odds ratio, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.65-0.89). Reviews also confirm qualitatively that low income is associated with periodontal disease and poor oral health-related quality of life. Limited evidence from the United States shows that psychosocial and behavioral explanations only partially explain associations between low individual/household income and oral health. Few country-level studies and a handful of subnational studies from the United States, Japan, and Brazil show associations between area-level income inequality and poor oral health. However, this evidence is conflicting given that the association between area-level income inequality and oral health outcomes varies considerably by contexts and by oral health outcomes. Evidence also shows cross-national variations in income-related inequalities in oral health outcomes of self-rated oral health, dental care, oral health-related quality of life, outcomes of dental caries, and outcomes of tooth loss. There is a lack of discussion in oral health literature about limitations of using income as a measure of social position. Future studies on the relationship between income and oral health can benefit substantially from recent theoretical and methodological advancements in social epidemiology that include application of an intersectionality framework, improvements in reporting of inequality, and causal modeling approaches. Theoretically well-informed studies that apply robust epidemiological methods are required to address knowledge gaps for designing relevant policy interventions to reduce income-related inequalities in oral health.

Threshold-effect of income on periodontitis and interactions with race/ethnicity and education

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to explore the shape of the relationship of income and education with periodontal health, and to assess the interactions between them and race/ethnicity.

METHOD

Individual level data from the Brazilian National Oral Health Survey in 2010 (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde Bucal-SB Brasil 2010) were obtained for 9,779 subjects. Relations between per capita income and education with periodontal health were smoothed using Locally Weighted Scatter-plot Smoother (Lowess) technique. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess independent effects of income, education, race/ethnicity adjusted for age, sex and time since last dental appointment.

RESULTS

Prevalence of adults with moderate to severe and severe periodontitis was 17.6 and 6.5%, respectively. The relationship between periodontal health and income was curvilinear, showing a threshold of no relationship for income levels higher than US$ 600/month. In multivariable analysis, after controlling for covariates, only income was significantly associated with periodontal health. There was no significant interaction of income with race or education, neither between race and education.

CONCLUSION

The relation between periodontal health and income was curvilinear and indicated the presence of a threshold, supporting income transfer programs. Beyond the threshold, only education presented a negative linear relationship with moderate to severe periodontitis.

Oral Health Disparities in Children: A Canary in the Coalmine?

Despite being largely preventable, oral diseases are still a major public health problem in child populations in many parts of the world. Increasingly, however, oral diseases disproportionately affect socially disadvantaged groups in society. It is unjust and unfair that children and families from disadvantaged backgrounds experience high levels of oral diseases. This article analyzes oral diseases through a health disparities lens. Action to combat oral health disparities requires a radical multifaceted strategy that addresses the shared underlying root causes of oral diseases, the social determinants of health inequality.

Oral health-related behaviours do not mediate the effect of maternal education on adolescents' gingival bleeding: A birth cohort study

Objectives

To test whether maternal education has a direct effect on gingival bleeding in adolescents aged 12 and to assess whether oral health behaviours over time mediate that association.

Methods

Two oral health studies nested in the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study were carried out in participants aged 6 (n = 359) and 12 years (n = 339). The proportion of teeth with bleeding on probing (BOP) and the median number of teeth with gingivitis at age 12 were recorded. Maternal education at birth was the exposure. Toothbrushing frequency and dental visit at ages 6 and 12 years were investigated as mediators of the association between maternal education at birth and gingival bleeding. Time‐varying family income through childhood and adolescence was included as later confounder. Paternal education was taken as baseline confounder. The controlled direct effect (CDE) of maternal education at child's birth on gingival bleeding at age 12 was estimated using marginal structural models (MSM). Additionally, path analysis was employed to estimate standardized direct, indirect and total effects of maternal education at birth on gingival bleeding.

Results

Adjusted analyses using MSM showed that adolescents whose mothers had <8 years of education had 3.82 higher risk of having teeth with gingival bleeding above the median (rate ratio RR 3.82; 95% CI: 1.68‐8.19). Low maternal education doubled the proportion of gingival bleeding at age 12 not mediated by dental visit and toothbrushing frequency (RR 1.99; 95% CI: 1.52‐2.60). Path analysis revealed that maternal education had a direct effect on gingival bleeding independently of the mediators.

Conclusions

The pattern of oral health behaviours does not explain the association between mother's education and adolescent's gingival bleeding. Individual‐based approaches focused on oral health‐related behaviours tend to fail to prevent gingival bleeding.

Contextual and Individual Factors Influencing Periodontal Treatment Needs by Elderly Brazilians: A Multilevel Analysis

Objective

To assess the relationship between periodontal treatment needs by elderly Brazilians and contextual as well as individual variables.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the need for clinical periodontal treatment, based on National Oral Health Survey (SB Brasil 2010) data on the presence of dental calculus, shallow (3–5 mm) and deep (≥ 6 mm) periodontal pockets, and gingival bleeding in elderly people (n = 7,619). The contextual variables included the Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI), income inequality (Gini Index) and coverage of the municipal population by the Family Health Strategy (FHS) program oral health teams.<0} The individual variables were sex, income, education level and self-reported skin color. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI95%) between periodontal treatment needs and the contextual as well as individual variables.

Results

Gingival bleeding was found in 20.7% of the elderly analyzed (n = 1,577), dental calculus in 34% (n = 2,590), shallow periodontal pockets in 15.6% (n = 1,189), and deep periodontal pockets in 4.2% (n = 320). Individual factors were correlated with all the outcomes assessed. Sex was a protective factor in regard to gingival bleeding (OR = 0.87; CI95% 0.76–1.00), dental calculus (OR = 0.86; CI95% 0.75–0.99), shallow periodontal pockets (OR = 0.69; CI95% 0.60–0.80) and deep periodontal pockets (OR = 0.58; CI95% 0.45–0.74). It was found that fewer women needed treatment. Elderly people who self-reported having nonwhite skin had higher chances of needing periodontal treatment. Skin color was a risk factor for gingival bleeding (OR = 1.32; CI95% 1.14–1.53), dental calculus (OR = 1.32; CI95%1.14–1.54) and shallow periodontal pockets (OR = 1.27; CI95% 1.09–1.49). Education level was associated with the presence of dental calculus (OR = 0.77; CI95% 0.66–0.89), shallow periodontal pockets (OR = 0.86; CI95% 0.73–1.00) and deep periodontal pockets (OR = 0.74; CI95% 0.57–0.97), thus acting as a risk factor for undereducated elderly people. There was a correlation between population coverage by the Family Health Strategy (FHS) program oral health teams and the presence of gingival bleeding (OR = 0.67; CI95% 0.52–0.88), shallow periodontal pockets (OR = 0.76; CI95% 0.58–0.98) and deep periodontal pockets (OR = 0.62; CI95% 0.44–0.89), making these teams act as a protective factor.

Conclusions

This study showed evidence of the sociocontextual as well as individual sociodemographic characteristics influencing periodontal treatment needed by elderly Brazilians, based on the clinical features of periodontal disease. The results suggest the existence of inequality related to periodontal treatment needs among elderly Brazilians, especially in regard to sex and ethnicity, in addition to a potentially positive impact from the expansion of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) program oral health teams.

Periodontal conditions and associated factors among adults and the elderly: findings from the first National Oral Health Survey in Uruguay

Abstract The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of periodontal conditions in the Uruguayan adult and elderly population and its association with socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics. Data from adults (35-44, n = 358) and elderly (65-74, n = 411) who participated in the first National Oral Health Survey, Uruguay, 2011, were used. The survey included a household questionnaire addressing socioeconomic characteristics, and tobacco use. Bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal pockets (CPI) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were measured by clinical examination. A multivariable analysis was carried out. Considering both age groups, the prevalence of mild/severe periodontal disease was 21.8% and 9.12% for severe periodontal disease. Adjusted analyses revealed an association between high education and all outcomes. Attendance at dental services was negatively associated with BOP and mild to severe periodontitis. Periodontal outcomes were higher in disadvantaged socioeconomic groups. Tobacco consumption has a strong association with periodontal disease in the elderly.

Relação entre condição gengival e fatores sociodemográficos de adolescentes residentes em uma região brasileira

O objetivo deste artigo é relacionar as condições gengival e socioeconômica e distribuição demográfica de adolescentes residentes em uma região desfavorecida brasileira. O estudo transversal foi realizado com amostra probabilística de 450 adolescentes (15-19 anos) em 13 municípios sorteados no Vale do Jequitinhonha (MG). A condição gengival foi avaliada por um examinador calibrado (Kappa ≥ 0,85) e baseado Índice Periodontal Comunitário (CPI). Foram calculadas as frequências para indivíduos e sextantes com posterior Análise de Correspondência Múltipla (Anacor) que explorou relações entre o CPI e as características sociodemográficas. Como resultados: 16 (3,6%) apresentaram-se sem alterações gengivais, 235 (52,2%) com sangramento, 36 (8,0%) com cálculo dental e 163 (36,2%) com sangramento e cálculo. A Anacor identificou dois grupos que guardavam semelhanças entre si em relação à doença periodontal. O grupo 1 reuniu os adolescentes com CPI sadio, 19 anos de idade, que trabalham e têm maior renda familiar. No grupo de CPI com sangramento, tem-se os adolescentes com 15 e 16 anos de idade, de ambos os sexos, cursando o ensino fundamental, menor renda familiar e que se autodeclararam pardos ou negros. A gengivite foi relacionada às condições socioeconômicas e demográficas de adolescentes da região.

Social, economic, and behavioral variables associated with oral health-related quality of life among Brazilian adults

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between sociodemographic, socioeconomic, psychosocial, and behavioral variables and oral health as assessed using the 14-question short version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). A cross-sectional study was performed with 1095 adult residents from 38 census tracts in the municipality of São Leopoldo, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Responses to the OHIP-14 were dichotomized, and bivariate (Chi-square) and multivariate analysis (logistic regression and Wald's test) were performed. In the bivariate analysis, the worse effects were reported by female individuals, the elderly, those with low family income, less schooling, those reporting a lower quality of life and social support, and smokers. In the multivariate analysis the following variables maintained their statistical significance: gender (female), age (50-59 years), family income (low), quality of life (low), social support (low, moderate), and smoking (smokers). Individuals' self-perception of their oral health was related to sociodemographic, socioeconomic, psychosocial, and behavioral variables, thus confirming that emphasis should be placed on social factors when addressing oral health problems.

Which life course model better explains the association between socioeconomic position and periodontal health?

AIM

To assess whether the relationship between socioeconomic position (SEP) and periodontal health fitted the Critical Period or the Social Mobility life course models.

METHODS

A nationally representative sample of 5570 Korean adults from KNHANES IV study. Log-binomial regression models adjusting for adulthood or childhood socioeconomic (SES) variables was used to assess independent effects of socioeconomic differences for childhood, adulthood and period of transition from child to adult in periodontal health.

RESULTS

In the Critical Period model, poorer periodontal status was associated with SES disadvantage in adulthood and not predicted by SES disadvantage in childhood. For the intergenerational Social Mobility model, prevalence of current periodontal disease was only different for females aged 30-39 and 40-49 years, after adjustment. Prevalence of periodontal disease in females was highest in the downwardly mobile group.

CONCLUSIONS

The Critical Period model was better at explaining association between socioeconomic position and periodontal health, such as the adulthood socioeconomic variables (SEP), had a stronger effect than childhood factors on periodontal disease. The Social Mobility model explained more of the variation in the association between SEP and periodontal health among women than among men.

Multilevel analysis of self-perception in oral health and associated factors in Southern Brazilian adults: a cross-sectional study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between individual and contextual variables related to self-perception in oral health among residents in the municipality of São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The cross-sectional design involved 1,100 adults in 38 census tracts. The self-perception was evaluated using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) tool. A logistic multilevel analysis was performed. The multivariate analysis revealed that those who are of the female gender, older, with lower scores of quality of life and less social support, with poor healthy eating habits, smokers and those living in low-income census tracts presented higher odds of reporting worse oral health self-perception (OHIP-1). We concluded that individual and contextual variables are associated with oral health self-perception. This is essential information for planning health services wishing to meet the health needs of the population.

Social determinants of health and dental caries in Brazil: a systematic review of the literature between 1999 and 2010

OBJECTIVE: To review epidemiological studies conducted in Brazil that investigated the distribution of dental caries according to socioeconomic status and demographic characteristics. METHODS: The systematic review included articles published between 1999 and 2010 available in six bibliographic sources, without any other restriction. We analyzed the bibliometric and methodological characteristics of the studies, and the direction and statistical significance of associations tested. RESULTS: Of the 1,128 references identified, 67 were incorporated into this study. There was a higher percentage of publications in the last two years and most of the studies were conducted in the South and Southeast of the country with a young population. The cross-sectional design, using a complex sampling procedure, was the most commonly adopted. The DMFT and dmft indexes were the most commonly used to measure dental caries, while sex/gender, income, education, race/skin color and type of school were the most common socioeconomic exposures. CONCLUSIONS: Most studies identified a high rates of dental caries among the poorest, least educated, black and brown and female individuals. A more detailed methodological and theoretically sound study of the relationship between dental caries and socioeconomic conditions is needed.

Desigualdades sociais e doença periodontal no estudo SBBrasil 2010: abordagem multinível

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência e a distribuição geográfica da doença periodontal na população adulta brasileira e sua associação com desigualdades sociais contextuais e individuais. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados dados dos adultos de 35 a 44 anos de idade da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde Bucal – SBBrasil 2010 (n = 9.564). O Índice Periodontal Comunitário (CPI) e o Índice de Perda Periodontal (PIP) foram usados para definir a doença periodontal em “moderada a grave” (CPI > 2 e PIP > 0) e “grave” (CPI > 2 e PIP > 1). As desigualdades sociais contextuais incluíram o índice de desenvolvimento humano e a desigualdade de renda (Índice de Gini). Outras variáveis contextuais foram a cobertura de equipes de saúde bucal da Estratégia de Saúde da Família e o percentual de adultos fumantes. Modelos de regressão logística multinível para os participantes com dados completos (n = 4.594) foram usados para estimar odds ratios (OR) e intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%) entre desigualdades sociais e doença periodontal. RESULTADOS: A prevalência da doença periodontal “moderada a grave” em brasileiros adultos foi de 15,3% e 5,8% para a condição “grave”, com variações consideráveis entre os municípios. Dentre as variáveis contextuais, a desigualdade de renda foi independentemente associada com a doença periodontal “grave” (OR = 3,0; IC95% 1,5;5,9). A menor cobertura de equipes de saúde bucal foi associada com as duas formas de doença periodontal, enquanto o percentual de fumantes manteve-se associado com a doença periodontal “moderada a grave”. Adultos com idade mais avançada, de cor de pele parda, sexo masculino, menor renda familiar e menor escolaridade apresentaram maiores chances para ambas as condições periodontais investigadas. CONCLUSÕES: No Brasil, a prevalência da doença periodontal variou conforme o município e a definição de doença empregada. A desigualdade de renda teve um papel importante na ocorrência da doença periodontal “grave”. Características individuais de posição social foram associadas com as duas formas de doença periodontal.