Dental knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and behaviour of the Asian community in Glasgow

Epidemiological studies suggest that Asians living in Britain, particularly children, have poor oral health. This study of the dental health knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and behaviour of a random sample of sixty-nine Asian adults in Glasgow aimed to identify some possible underlying factors. The dental health knowledge of Asians living in Glasgow appeared to be limited, specifically with regard to methods of reducing the incidence of caries. Thirty per cent could not name any foods which were known to be detrimental to dental health and only 30% felt that children under the age of five required access to dental services. The aesthetic value of a healthy mouth was highly appreciated by the majority of respondents and poor oral health was considered to be socially unacceptable. The Asian population examined would seem to be an appropriate target group for dental health education, since low knowledge levels rather than negative attitudes appear to cause Asians to be at high risk from caries.