ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study examines the relationship between the implementation of pit and fissure sealant in children, and the prevention level of teeth based on household income by a cross-sectional study. METHODS: The study population consisted of a representative community sample of 1,701 subjects, ranging from 6-18 years in children and over 27 years in mothers, from the 4th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys in 2009. Mother's indicators included age, occupation, education, household income, smoking, brushing frequency, oral health screening, self-related oral health, and mother's concern. We used a multiple logistic regression to identify and quantify the risk factors for the pit and fissure sealant. RESULTS: In multiple analyses, age of children, household income level, and oral health screening were significant factors for the implementation of pit and fissure sealant for the children. The multiple-adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for the implementation of pit and fissure sealant, comparing the lowest to 101-200, 201-300, 301-400, 401-500 and 501 ten thousand Korean Won or more were 2.2 (1.15-4.10), 2.5 (1.38-4.61), 2.0 (1.04-3.90), 2.8 (1.46-5.53), and 3.6 (1.82-6.94), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that the implementations of the pit and fissure sealant were positively related with the household income level and mother's oral health screening.