The Association between Parents/Caregivers Perception of their Neighborhood and Children's Oral Health Status

Neighborhood conditions affect general health by influencing health behaviors. But parental perceptions of their neighborhood and its influence on children’s oral health status have received little attention. This study examined the association between neighborhood perception as reported by parents/caregivers and children’s oral health in the United States. We analyzed data from the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH), 2003-2004. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were used to explore the association between neighborhood perception based on parental responses to questions reflecting community social support and safety of the neighborhood and children’s oral health status. Parental perception of people helping each other, can count on each other in the community were significantly associated with higher rating of their child’s oral health. Safety in the neighborhood, at school, and at home was significantly associated with excellent or very good/good rating of a child’s oral health. In multivariable analyses, neighborhood perceptions were significantly associated with reporting that a child’s oral health was excellent. Other significant factors adjusted for in the model were poverty status, education, gender, insurance, age, and race/ethnicity. The study demonstrates that parental perception of their neighborhood is associated with rating of a child’s oral health. Oral health care programs and policies developed to address oral health disparities and access to dental care should include strategies aimed at influencing neighborhood perception.