A national survey of employed adults showed a decrease in the extent and severity of periodontal disease in comparison with findings from earlier studies. Using data from that survey, this report evaluates the association of socioeconomic factors--race, education, income and dental insurance, as well as most recent dental visit--with the prevalence and extent of periodontal disease. Periodontitis was more prevalent and usually more extensive in persons who are black, have less education or had not seen a dentist in three or more years. Having dental insurance was not associated with better periodontal health.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				L. N. Borrell, B. A. Burt, H. W. Neighbors, and G. W. Taylor Social Factors and Periodontitis in an Older Population Am J Public Health, September 1, 2008; 98(Supplement_1): S95 - S101. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				L. N. Borrell, J. D. Beck, and G. Heiss Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Periodontal Disease: The Dental Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study Am J Public Health, February 1, 2006; 96(2): 332 - 339. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]