Introduction

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program aims to alleviate hunger and improve food insecurity. The impact of SNAP participation on overall health has been studied. However, little is known about the effects of SNAP participation on oral health. We aimed to investigate the association between participating in SNAP and dental caries and to explore the role of food insecurity as a moderator in this relationship.

Methods

We obtained data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles 2011-2012 and 2013-2014.The primary outcome was untreated dental caries (none vs. one or more). Self-reported SNAP participation status in the past 12 months was the predictor and food security was the moderator. Food security was measured as overall food security status (full food secure/ food insecure) and household-level food security (full, marginal, low, and very low). Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationship between SNAP and dental caries, and whether food insecurity moderates this relationship. Statistical analysis was carried out in September 2020.

Results

Our results suggested that after adjusting for potential confounders, SNAP participants were more likely to have untreated dental caries than non-SNAP participants (odds ratio:1.6; 95% CI:1.2-2.0). Food security status didn’t alter the relationship between SNAP participation and untreated dental caries.

Conclusions

Food security status didn’t alter the relationship between SNAP participation and untreated dental caries. SNAP participation was associated with untreated dental caries among U.S. adults, and this was not affected by their food security status.