Aims:

Oral health problems include dental caries, gum diseases, loss of natural teeth, and other mucosal diseases. The present research aimed to study the factors affecting periodontal health in the residents of the United States of America. This study examined if there were significant differences in the health of teeth and gums with respect to last visit to the dentist, intake of fluoride drops or tablets, gender, and educational level.

Materials & Methods:

The study analyzed secondary data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-18. This study examined a population of 9,254 residents aged 1 and older. The Chi-Square Test of Independence was used to test significance among the variables of last visit to the dentist, received fluoride drops or tablets, gender, and educational level.

Results:

The study found no statistically significant differences in health of teeth and gums with respect to intake of fluoride drops or tablets, gender, and educational level. However, the study did find a statistically significant difference in the health of teeth and gums with regard to the last visit to the dentist among residents of the US. Individuals who have visited the dentist in the last six months have rated their health of teeth and gums as excellent as compared to those who did not visit the dentist in the last six months.

Conclusions:

Future studies should review other factors affecting oral health such as high sugar intake, diabetes, chronic diseases, and genetics. Emphasis should be given to the identification of inequities associated with periodontal health among various cultural and ethnic groups in the United States of America.

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