The relationship between occupation and perceived oral health status

Abstract

Introduction: Determinants of oral health include a range of biological, behavioural, environmental and social factors. Socioeconomic status is a known determinant of oral health, however studies on specific socioeconomic factors are somewhat limited, and nonexistent on a local level. This study investigates the impact of one of the three indicators of socioeconomic status – occupation - on self-rated oral health in Malta. Methodology: A self-administered anonymous questionnaire distributed through social media collected data pertaining to demographics, oral health behaviour and self-rated oral health from 304 valid participants, who were all Maltese workers having held their job for at least a year. Demographic data collected involved the occupation itself, which was classified using the ISCO-08, as well as occupational parameters, such as work environment and hours. Questions regarding oral health behaviours included oral hygiene routines and sugar intake. Self-rated oral health was measured using a subjective measure of both teeth and gums, as well as the self-reported presence of restorations, missing teeth and prostheses. Results: Occupational stressors such as longer hours reduced brushing frequency (p = 0.108), while night shifts reduced brushing frequency (p = 0.009) and increased sugary snacking between meals (p = 0.002). Managers and professionals generally demonstrated better oral health behaviours such as lower sugar intake (p = 0.064). Part-time workers showed higher sugar intake (p = 0.014) while self-employed workers were more likely to brush at work (p = 0.001) and less likely to have sugary snacks (p = 0.037). Differences in work environments were also observed, with participants within the school/university environment being more likely to have an extracted tooth (p = 0.019) and among the least likely to brush at work (p = <0.001). Gender disparities were also evident, with males exhibiting significantly poorer oral health behaviours (p = 0.004). While a direct association between occupation and subjective self-rated oral health was not found, an indirect link was observed via oral health behaviours. Conclusions: These findings align with international research and underscore the role of socioeconomic factors in oral health. The results suggest a need for targeted oral health promotion in workplaces, particularly for lower-skilled and high-stress occupations to improve oral health outcomes in susceptible populations.