Dental caries is one of the most common oral diseases and the most important global oral health burdens with high prevalence around the world [1]. Dental caries is not only a childhood disease, but also can continue into adulthood [2], where health inequality still exists [3]. Adolescence is a transitional period from childhood to adulthood, an important milestone of physical, psychological and social transformation, it is also the key to the formation of oral health concepts and habits. In the worldwide, the prevalence of dental caries in this stage ranged from 54–78% [1, 4].
The availability and accessibility of oral health services are very important for the control of dental caries. Dental visits can provide education, prevention and treatment measures for teenagers, and help to form correct oral health knowledge and attitude. However, in developed countries, the rate of dental visits is 44%, and in developing countries, 18% - 38.3% of 12-year-old children have never seen a dentist or have not seen their teeth regularly [1]. The related factors affecting the dental visits of adolescents are complex, which need more attention.
Shenzhen, as a city with rapid economic growth, is also a city of immigrants. The number of children of migrant workers is huge, especially the Longhua District, which has a certain representativeness. There are many conditions for Shenzhen hukou to be included. Generally speaking, it represents a higher cultural level and better economic conditions. It has a certain degree of screening function for the resident population. In Shenzhen, Hukou restricts the eligibility to buy a house and children's schooling. The unfair distribution of resources brought by social development has always been the focus of the policymakers' efforts,Economic and sociological theories pay more and more attention to the coordination of social development and economic development; To achieve the equalization of public services and inclusive development, in the final analysis, is also to achieve coordinated economic and social development, so that the fruits of economic growth can be fully shared by the people. To explore the dental treatment situation among different populations in Shenzhen will help to provide the government with the basis for oral health decision-making, eliminate the differences in oral health caused by the gap between the rich and the poor, and provide qualified labor force.
At present, the research on dental visits mainly focuses on sociodemographic factors, clinical factors and oral health literacy. etc. Sociodemographic factors are considered to influence the use of dental services through personal health behaviors. Family environment can affect the formation of oral health habits of children and adolescents, which was related to oral health behavior, eating habits and dental caries [5, 6]. Studies have reported the relationship between dental caries, toothache and the use of dental services by adolescents. We found an association between high oral health literacy and recent dental service use in adults, a higher level of occupational health helps to reduce inequalities in access to health care and dental information, which helps to visit dentists [7].
Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is an important indicator that can comprehensively reflect the impact of an individual's oral health problems or diseases on their physiological, psychological and social functions. Compared with objective indicators of oral examination, OHRQoL is a subjective indicator, which is an important part of patients' outcome report, including self-evaluation of oral health status, functional health, mental health, health service expectation and satisfaction and self-feeling [8]. In recent years, OHRQoL has been widely used in oral health survey and clinical research [9].
However, the impact of these factors on dental visits has not been fully explored in Chinese youth groups, especially in Shenzhen, one of the most characteristic cities. Exploring the relationships between dental visits and possible contributing factors may be beneficial for developing targeted interventions and healthcare policies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral health literacy, sociodemographic, clinical and family characteristics on dental visits in early 12-year-old adolescents.