Association between socioeconomic status and oral-hygiene awareness among adults in Mumbai: A cross-sectional survey

Background: Socioeconomic status (SES) plays a pivotal role in shaping oral hygiene practices and access to preventive dental care. Inequalities in oral health remain a public-health concern in India, particularly within urban populations exhibiting diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.Aim: To evaluate the association between socioeconomic status and oral-hygiene awareness and practices among adults in Mumbai.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 354 systemically healthy adults aged 18 years and above from February to June 2024. Socioeconomic classification was performed using the Modified Kuppuswamy Scale. An 18-item structured questionnaire assessed oral hygiene habits, dietary practices, dental visits, and awareness of oral and systemic health. Data were analyzed using SPSS v21.0, and associations between SES and responses were evaluated using the Chi-square test (p < 0.05).Results: The majority of participants belonged to the lower-middle (35%) and upper-middle (27.4%) socioeconomic classes. Statistically significant associations (p < 0.01) were observed between SES and all assessed variables, including tooth cleaning method and frequency, toothbrush replacement interval, mouthwash use, dietary habits, and dental-visit patterns. Individuals from the upper- and lower-middle classes exhibited superior oral hygiene awareness compared with those from the lower and upper-lower classes.Conclusion: Socioeconomic status significantly influences oral-hygiene awareness and behaviors. Tailored educational programs and preventive initiatives targeting lower socioeconomic groups are essential to address oral health disparities in urban populations.