Comparison of the Oral Health of a Cluster of African American and Caucasian Women: A pilot study

The objective of this study was to compare the Oral Health status and needs of African American women to those of the Caucasians. The first thirty African American (AA) and Caucasian (C) women age 40-80 years old who participated in the women’s oral health study were piloted. Each group served as a control for the other. A questionnaire was developed to record the medical history including medications taken, smoking habits, oral hygiene practices and annual visits to the dentist. The socioeconomic status; education and income were recorded. A comprehensive oral examination tabulated decayed, missing and restored teeth, as well as prosthodontic appliances, and the periodontal status including gingival bleeding, pocket depth, tooth mobility and calculus deposits. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables, to include frequencies, means and ranges of means. Chi-Square analysis with cross tabulation was done for nominal and ordinary variables. All tests were performed at @=.05 within the 95% confidence interval. The results showed no significant financial difference between the 2 groups as the AA earned 23.53 ± 14.68, the C $33.73 ± 27.13 (p=.077), and it was based on the education level. Women from both groups visited the dentist 2.3 ± .81 times per year. There was no difference in brushing (p=.532), and flossing habits (p=.089). As for years of smoking the AA did for 5.87 ± 9.96 and C 2.5 ± 7.90 (p=.153). Both groups had upper and lower periodontal pockets that averaged 1.45 ± .81 mm in depth (p=.754). For wearing of prosthetic appliances the AA 1.67 ± 5.09, the C 1.90 ± 5.72 (P=.863). There was no significant difference in the number of missing teeth (p=.605), or carious teeth (AA 2.4 ± 3.05, the C 1.23 ± 1.83, p=.079). There was a significant difference in the restored teeth (AA:7.63 ± 4.44, C 12.37 ± 6.66, p <.005), and on being on multiple medications (AA 40% n=12, C 13.3% n=4, p <.05).

Conclusions:

1. The results of this pilot study showed many similarities between the women from both groups.

2. There were no significant socioeconomic differences.

3. The African American woman had twice the number of carious teeth and the Caucasians had more restored teeth.

Supported by Colgate Palmolive USA