Effect of the 2008 economic crisis on oral health in Spain: analysis of serial cross-sectional, population-based health surveys

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of the economic crisis on the oral health of individuals in Spain based on variables including sex, unemployment, social class and educational level. DESIGN: This was an analysis of serial cross-sectional, population-based health surveys conducted before the crisis (2003 and 2006) and during the crisis (2011, 2014 and 2017). SETTING: National Health Surveys of Spain and the European Health Survey in Spain. Participants A total of 189 543 participants were recruited. OUTCOME MEASURES: The independent variables were sex, employment, social class and educational level. The dependent variables were related to oral health. Descriptive statistics, χ(2) tests and the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test were performed. RESULTS: The results showed that there were differences (p<0.001) in all oral health indicators before and after the crisis. Compared with the precrisis period, men had a higher probability of tooth extractions (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.37 to 1.45), dental fillings (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.34), prostheses (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.07) and missing teeth (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.31 to 1.39). Unemployed individuals were more likely to have dental caries (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.16) and missing teeth (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.46). Working class individuals had a higher probability of tooth extractions (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.59 to 1.67), bleeding gums (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.07), prostheses (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.07) and missing teeth (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.33 to 1.39). Participants with a basic or intermediate level of education had a higher probability of dental mobility (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.19), prostheses (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.14) and missing teeth (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.38 to 1.46). CONCLUSIONS: The economic crisis affected the oral health of the Spanish population, with a more significant deterioration among men, working class individuals and unemployed individuals.