OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the clustering patterns of oral health-related behaviors and their relationship with sociodemographic factors in a national sample of 12- and 15-year-olds from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from the Child Dental Health Survey (CDHS) 2013 were analyzed. Five individual behaviors were considered: smoking, alcohol use, tooth brushing frequency, sugar intake, and dental attendance. Explanatory variables included sex, age, and eligibility for free school meal (FSM) (as a marker of socioeconomic deprivation). Clustering patterns were assessed using counted clusters, pairwise correlation, and observed/expected ratio analysis. Logistic regression models were performed to assess the associations between behavioral clusters and sociodemographic factors.

RESULTS: The study included 4932 young people, with 51.5% aged 15 years, 50.6% male, and 17.4% eligible for FSM. Statistical differences were found in individual behaviors: Males were more likely to report lower tooth brushing frequency (28.1% vs. 13.6% for females), while 15-year-olds were more likely to engage in smoking (28.0% vs. 6.0%) and alcohol consumption (73.5% vs. 29.2%) compared to 12-year-olds. FSM-eligible adolescents were more likely to engage in all risk behaviors, except for alcohol consumption. Seven significant behavioral clusters were identified through O/E analysis, each involving combinations of two or three risk behaviors. In the regression analysis, age was strongly associated with these clusters. For example, 15-year-olds had significantly higher odds (OR: 7.04; 95% CI: 4.85-10.22) of exhibiting the cluster involving smoking and alcohol use compared to 12-year-olds. Sex and FSM eligibility also showed significant, though weaker, associations with five of the identified behavioral patterns.

CONCLUSIONS: Detrimental oral health behavioral clusters were more commonly observed among males, 15-year-olds, and adolescents from less advantaged backgrounds.

[Note: this journal website states 'This material is only for use by healthcare professionals. By continuing to view this site you are confirming that you are a healthcare professional'.