Influence of Socioeconomic Status on Periodontal Health Among 15 Year Old School Children of Dhule City India

Background and Objectives: Socioeconomic Status is an important determinant of the standard of living and health status. The purpose of the study was to assess the periodontal health status among 15 year old school children belonging to different socioeconomic strata. Methodology: A cross sectional survey was conducted among 750 school children residing in Dhule city (India). Modified Kuppuswamy Scale with re-adjustment of per capita income was used to classify school children into different socioeconomic class. 150 children represented each socioeconomic class from Class I to Class V. Periodontal health status (CPI and LOA) was assessed and recorded according to W.H.O oral health assessment form. Results: Majority (85%) of children used toothbrush and toothpaste to clean their teeth once daily. Lower SE group children exhibited more mean number of sextants with higher CPI scores characterized by calculus deposition and bleeding gums the differences were statistically significant across various social strata (p lesser than 0.001). Interpretation and Conclusions: The study revealed that oral hygiene status, periodontal condition were significantly associated with SES. SES, oral hygiene practices and abnormal oral habits were significantly associated with CPI (p lesser than 0.05).