Oral Health-Related Food Avoidance and Food Insecurity among U.S. Adults: NHANES 2021-2023

This study examined the association between self-reported oral health - related food avoidance and household food insecurity among U.S. adults using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2021-2023. Food insecurity was defined using the U.S. Food Security Survey Module. Survey-weighted logistic regression adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, health insurance status, and access to care. Oral health - related food avoidance was associated with food insecurity (OR 2.46; 95% CI 1.81-3.34), with higher odds across increasing frequency. Findings were similar in sensitivity analyses and after adjustment for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Findings indicate that oral health - related food avoidance was associated with household food insecurity.