Income inequalities in oral health among older adults in four Ontario communities.

We used data from telephone interviews, personal interviews and clinical examinations to assess income inequalities in oral health among older adults living in four Ontario communities. Lower income groups had significantly higher rates of edentulism than upper income groups. In dentate subjects aged 50 to 64 years, significant associations were observed between income and 9 of 10 clinical, functional and subjective oral health indicators. Among those aged 65 years and over, associations were found for only 5 of these indicators. The data suggested that the association between income and clinical and functional measures of oral health was stronger among those aged 50 to 64 years, while the association between income and subjective indicators was stronger among those aged 65 years and over. No association was noted between income and oral health status among edentulous subjects. These observations are difficult to explain because of the cross-sectional nature of the study and the complexity of the processes which may lead to social inequalities in health. Nevertheless, the data do suggest the need for the targeting of oral health promotion programs and appropriate dental services at disadvantaged groups.