Objective: To investigate the association between socioeconomic status and oral hygiene profiles in preschool children Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 1,303 children in Campeche, México, was conducted in 10 public schools. Portable dental equipment was used for examinations. A structured questionnaire to determine sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables was distributed and collected through the pre-schools for the mothers to fill out. We constructed the clinical-behavioral oral hygiene index (CBOHI) (dependent variable) by incorporating toothbrushing frequency (behavioural component) and presence of dental plaque (clinical component). The independent variables were sex, age, mother's attitude toward oral health, type of health services available, dental services' use, family structure, and socioeconomic status (SES, incorporating father's occupation and mother's highest level of schooling). Data were analyzed using ordered logistic regression (STATA 8.2®). Results: Mean age was 4.36±0.79 years, and 48.3% were girls. Low, middle, and higher SES groups made up 15.2%, 46.9%, and 37.9% of the overall child population, respectively. Middle (OR=2.01; 95%CI=1.59–2.53) and high (OR=2.85; 95%CI=2.07–3.93) SES were significantly related to CBOHI. The odds of having better CBOHI readings were significantly greater among children with at least one dental visit in the previous year (OR=1.25; 95%CI=1.00–1.57). Conclusion: We found that oral hygiene was strongly associated with SES, suggesting that whatever programs are designed to address poor adherence to oral hygiene habits, they should selectively address specified needs across various SES profiles/levels.

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