Oral health inequalities remain a global public health challenge, especially among low socioeconomic groups. While the association between lower socioeconomic status and worse oral health outcomes is well-established, less attention has been paid to the salutogenic resources or protective factors that can promote good oral health in low socioeconomic groups.

The aim was to explore salutogenic resources among healthy, caries-free young adults from low socioeconomic backgrounds. This thesis is based on four studies: a systematic review, a case–control study in Sweden using questionnaire and register data, and two qualitative interviews conducted in Sweden and South Africa. Salutogenic resources were identified at the individual, family, community, and societal levels.

Identified individual resources were coping, health literacy, locus of control, motivation, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and self-regulation. However, some resources were protective only among individuals born in Sweden or those who immigrated during the ages of 0–5 years.

Family played a central role by positive influence, conveying healthy traditions, and instilling healthy habits during childhood, together with parental guidance and support through adolescence. This enabled young adults to develop and apply resources and assets to take control over their own health, and to maintain oral health when encountering challenges.

Social and economic support from the community and society were important when encountering hardships. Sport organizations and health professionals served a role in encouraging healthy habits and health education.

In conclusion, this thesis indicates the importance of salutogenic resources for oral health among young adults from low socioeconomic backgrounds and shows the need to consider the wider context and circumstances in health promotion. A salutogenic framework should be applied when conducting health promotion in different settings. However, further research is needed to evaluate the potential of salutogenic and interdisciplinary interventions as well as the role of social networks and community resources to promote good oral health.