Do Income Inequalities Influence the Relationship between Dental Caries Experience and Nutritional Status in Children and Adolescents? A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the state of the art in the effect of income inequalities on the relationship between dental caries and nutritional status in children and adolescents and provide an overview of the countries investigated.

METHODS

Seven databases, along with gray literature (Google Scholar), were searched to identify studies based on the acronym PCC (population: children and/or adolescents; concept: relationship of nutritional status with dental caries experience; context: income classifications (high, middle, and low) and the countries considered. Two independent reviewers performed study selection and data collection. The results were presented in table, graphic, and narrative formats.

RESULTS

After the eligibility assessment, 37 studies were included in 21 countries. Nineteen studies indicated that income inequalities may have repercussions on the relationship between nutritional status and dental caries, while 11 studies suggested a possible absence of effect on the relationship between these variables. Seven studies were considered inconclusive regarding children and adolescents.

CONCLUSION

Although the evidence remains inconclusive in specific contexts, most of the included studies suggest a potential influence of income inequalities on the relationship between dental caries experience and nutritional status in children and adolescents.