Title: Effects of self-perceived oral health and stress levels on subjective oral symptoms and lifestyle of university students in South Korea
Abstract:
Introduction: Self-perceived oral health was reported to be related to clinical and subjective oral factors, socioeconomic factors, perceived stress, and oral health behavior. However, there is little research on whether self-perceived oral health is related to dry mouth, saliva viscosity, and lifestyle factors.
Objectives: Accordingly, this study aimed to verify the impact of self-perceived oral health and stress levels on subjective oral symptoms and lifestyle.
Methods & Materials: The results of responses from 644 South Korean University students who agreed to participate in the study were statistically analyzed. A chi-square test was conducted to determine whether there was a significant difference between self-perceived oral health and stress levels on subjective oral symptoms and lifestyle, and through logistic regression analysis, subjective oral symptoms and whether a diagnosis of periodontal disease affected self-perceived oral health.
Results: Subjective oral symptom factors that showed significant differences depending on self-perceived oral health included gingival bleeding or pain, dry mouth, and saliva viscosity, while lifestyle factors included the frequency of tooth brushing and beverage consumption. Additionally, subjective oral symptoms influence self-perceived oral health. Self-perception of oral health was negative when there was gingival bleeding or pain (OR=0.594, p=0.002) or dry mouth (OR=0.577, p=0.001).
Conclusion: According to these results, self-perceived oral health was closely related to gingival bleeding or pain and dry mouth and was also related to lifestyle. Oral disease is a disease that occurs across all generations, not only children who are not accustomed to dental care, but also young people, middle-aged people, and the elderly. In addition, due to the chronic and cumulative nature of oral diseases, dental treatment costs account for a large portion and are steadily increasing every year, placing a significant burden on the nation. Therefore, since it is a very important time for university students to form proper lifestyles as they begin adulthood, we would like to provide basic data for developing an efficient and practicable educational program for oral health management.
Audience take away notes:
- Self-perceived oral health can provide insight into health.
- Professionals dealing with oral health and public health can use the information to develop programs.
- This study not only provides oral hygiene system solutions but also predicts possible outcomes.
- If the self-oral hygiene management system is implemented systematically, the cost of nursing care benefits can be significantly reduced.
