Socioeconomic and ethnic inequalities in oral health among children and adolescents living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Although adolescence is a sensitive developmental period in oral health, the social equalization hypothesis that suggests health inequalities attenuate in adolescence has not been examined. This study analyses whether the socioeconomic gap and ethnic disadvantage in oral health among children aged 5 reduces among adolescents aged 15.

Methods

Data from the cross-sectional Children's Dental Health Survey 2013 were analysed, comprising of 8541 children aged 5, 8, 12 and 15 attending schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Oral health indicators included decayed and filled teeth, plaque, gingivitis and periodontal health. Ethnicity was measured using the 2011 UK census ethnic categories. Socioeconomic position was measured by family, school and residential dep

SUBMITTER: Rouxel P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6849874 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature