International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research  |  e-ISSN: 2582-8940  |  Double-Blind Peer Review  |  Open Access  |  CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

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     2026:7/4

International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research

e-ISSN: 2582-8940 | Open Access

The Role of Health Literacy in Influencing Oral Hygiene Practices and Dental Care Utilization in General U.S. Populations

Omolayo Yetunde Abimbola

Dental Assistant, Expert Dental New York, USA

Article Information

Volume / Issue5 / 2 (April-June 2024)
Pages43-61
AccessOpen Access

Publication Timeline

  • Received03 April 2024
  • Accepted05 May 2024

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Abstract

Health literacy represents a critical determinant of oral health outcomes in the United States, influencing individuals' capacity to access, understand, and apply health information to maintain optimal dental health. This research examines the relationship between health literacy levels and oral hygiene practices, routine dental care utilization, and treatment-seeking behaviors among the general U.S. population. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature and empirical data, this study demonstrates that higher health literacy correlates significantly with improved oral hygiene behaviors, increased preventive dental care utilization, and earlier intervention for dental problems. The findings reveal that approximately 36% of U.S. adults possess limited health literacy skills, which directly impacts their ability to comprehend dental care instructions, navigate the healthcare system, and make informed decisions about oral health. This research underscores the necessity for public health interventions that enhance health literacy as a mechanism for improving population-level oral health outcomes. The study provides evidence-based recommendations for healthcare providers, policymakers, and public health professionals to develop targeted educational programs and communication strategies that accommodate varying literacy levels across the general population.

Keywords

Health LiteracyOral Hygiene PracticesDental Care UtilizationPreventive DentistryHealth BehaviorOral Health EducationTreatment-Seeking BehaviorPublic Health

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How to Cite

Abimbola, O. Y. (2024). The Role of Health Literacy in Influencing Oral Hygiene Practices and Dental Care Utilization in General U.S. Populations. International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research, 5(2), 43-61. https://doi.org/10.54660/IJMBHR.2024.5.4.222-240

Abimbola, Omolayo Yetunde. "The Role of Health Literacy in Influencing Oral Hygiene Practices and Dental Care Utilization in General U.S. Populations." International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research, vol. 5, no. 2, 2024, pp. 43-61. https://doi.org/10.54660/IJMBHR.2024.5.4.222-240.

Abimbola, O. Y. (2024) 'The Role of Health Literacy in Influencing Oral Hygiene Practices and Dental Care Utilization in General U.S. Populations', International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research, 5(2), pp. 43-61. doi: 10.54660/IJMBHR.2024.5.4.222-240.

Abimbola OY. The Role of Health Literacy in Influencing Oral Hygiene Practices and Dental Care Utilization in General U.S. Populations. International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research. 2024;5(2):43-61. doi:10.54660/IJMBHR.2024.5.4.222-240

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