Rural vs Urban Communites

Living in a rural versus urban community has significant effects on a person's oral health and the resources that are available to them. Studies indicate that populations living in more rural areas have poorer oral hygiene than those living in urban settings. Why is this the case?

When comparing oral hygiene outcomes and measures in rural vs urban settings, several factors could be determinants. For example, people living in rural areas may face challenges accessing dental care due to a shortage of dental professionals in these areas. They may also have less education about the importance of oral health and experience greater socioeconomic challenges, such as lower incomes or lack of dental insurance. These factors, combined with differences in dietary habits, can contribute to poorer oral hygiene outcomes in rural areas.

Rural communities often have fewer dentists and dental clinics than urban communities. This can make it more difficult for people living in rural areas to access dental care when they need it. The sparsity of dental clinics also creates the issues of greater transportation stress and adds to the problem of access. As a result, people in rural areas may be more likely to have untreated dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Those in rural areas may have less access to education about oral health than those in urban areas. Because of the shortage of healthcare providers, including limited access to healthcare programs, information about dental hygiene may be limited. This can lead to a lack of knowledge about the importance of good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing regularly, and avoiding sugary foods and drinks. Advances in technology and web based education may allow for some mitigation of these disparities.

The economic variances in rural communities may also affect access to dental care such as the lack of dental insurance or the financial resources to pay for dental services out of pocket. As a result, they may be more likely to delay or avoid dental care, leading to greater dental problems over time.

Prioritizing oral health education in rural communities can help even the curve and allow both rural and urban populations to have similar opportunities for dental care.

Branch, Dascher, et al. “A Gender-Based Approach to Oral Health Changes Across the Lifespan.” ScholarlyCommons, https://repository.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1046&context=anthro_seniortheses. Accessed 9 April 2023.