Risk factors of oral health problems among adults in marion county, indiana, USA.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with orodontal diseases (ODD), including periodontal diseases (PDD) with or without dental caries (DC), in Marion County, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A questionnaire was mailed to 121 randomly selected residents in Marion County. The number of visits to dentist in the two-year duration prior to the survey was studied, an indicator of the demand for orodontal care.

RESULTS

The study provided that ODD was still recording as high as a 61.6% prevalence rate in Marion County. The number of dental visits significantly correlated with age, sex, race, and income (r =0.778, p<0.001). Also ODD significantly increased by age (p=0.011). Gender was not a risk factor for ODD (OR=0.885, 95% CI 0.412, 1.902).

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

With such rates and in the presence of the available oral health programs, it is concluded that oral health problems pose a threat to the public health in Marion County's health resources. The rising demand for dental services depletes resources and exaggerates the likelihood of health disparity. An overall evaluation of the dental care system in Marion County, focusing on prevention is stressing.