Does a social/behavioural gradient in dental health exist among adults? A cross-sectional study

Objective To explore the potential presence of a social/behavioural gradient in dental health among Italian adults using a cross-sectional study. Methods Caries indices were recorded among 480 subjects (52.9% men, 47.1% women) who also completed a structured self-administered social and behavioural questionnaire. A social/behavioural gradient was generated as the sum of the worst circumstances recorded on the questionnaire (cariogenic diet, smoking, lowest occupational profile, brushing teeth<twice daily, lowest educational level, uneven dental examination attendance). Results Caries figures (DMFT) and the number of filled sound teeth (FS-T) were statistically significantly linked to the social/behavioural gradient (DMFT: (2)((9))=20.17 p=0.02, Z=0.02 p=0.99; FS-T: (2)((9))=25.68 p<0.01, Z=-4.31 p<0.01). DMFT was statistically significantly associated with gender and with social and behavioural variables. FS-T was higher in women (p=0.03) and was linked to smoking (p