Race, Education, Income, Weight Affect Oral Health

Main Category: Dentistry
Also Included In: Seniors / Aging;  Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness;  Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 15 Jan 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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In an Alabama statewide survey, scientists at UAB (the University of Alabama at Birmingham) have found that certain demographic factors influence the oral health of people 65 and older. "Analyses suggested a strong association between oral health-related quality of life and race, education, income and transportation difficulties," said S.K. Makhija, M.P.H., D.D.S., assistant professor of diagnostic sciences at the UAB School of Dentistry. Makhija said the researchers also found a relationship between body mass index and oral health. "People who are underweight or obese are more likely to have mouth problems," she said. The study was published in the November issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. A report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition is pending. Makhija will present the findings at the International Association for Dental Research in New Orleans March 23.

University of Alabama at Birmingham
701 20th St. S., AB 1320
Birmingham, AL 35294-0113
United States
http://main.uab.edu/

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