ORAL HYGIENE PRACTICES AMONG ECONOMICALLY MARGINALIZED POPULATIONS

Economically disadvantaged groups, including migrants, refugees, and low-income individuals, face a disproportionate burden of oral health problems due to persistent financial barriers, cultural marginalization, and limited access to preventive dental care. These challenges often undermine their ability to maintain routine oral hygiene, increasing vulnerability to periodontal disease and tooth loss, with consequences that extend beyond oral health to overall well-being. This study examines oral hygiene behaviors and periodontal health among socioeconomically marginalized patients attending the Department of Social Dentistry at the National Institute for Health, Migration, and Poverty (NIHMP) in Rome, Italy. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through structured questionnaires (n = 170), qualitative interviews exploring oral hygiene habits, and clinical periodontal assessments (n = 70). The results reveal striking gaps in preventive oral care: 68% of participants used improper toothbrushing techniques, 45% reported inconsistent dental attendance, and 64% had moderate-to-severe periodontal disease. These findings suggest that insufficient daily oral hygiene is less a matter of individual behavior and more a manifestation of systemic inequities. The study emphasizes the urgent need for culturally informed, accessible, and community-based oral health interventions and highlights critical implications for clinical practice, public health policy, and equity-driven health reform.