Oral Health-related Variables Research Articles

Association between oral health and hyperuricemia in Korean adults: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016-2019.

Hyperuricemia plays an essential role in the gout. Despite the clinical significance of hyperuricemia, a direct relationship between oral health and hyperuricemia has not been established. We aim to investigate the association between oral health and hyperuricemia. We selected 17,557 subjects from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database for the years 2016-2019. Oral health-related variables included the number of dental caries, regular tooth brushing, use of secondary oral products, and regular dental examinations. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for hyperuricemia were calculated using a multivariable-adjusted logistic regression model. Oral health status with dental caries and oral health behaviors, including tooth brushing, secondary oral products, and regular dental examination, were significantly associated with hyperuricemia in all participants. The adjusted OR and 95% CIs for hyperuricemia comparing more than three dental caries with no dental caries were 1.28 (1.08-1.52). The adjusted OR and 95% CIs for hyperuricemia in regular tooth brushing, use of secondary oral products, and regular dental examination were 0.78 (0.67-0.91), 0.91 (0.83-1.00), and 0.86 (0.78-0.95), respectively. Notably, the association between oral health and hyperuricemia was more prominent in male subjects. In addition, when subjects were grouped by the oral health scoring system, the prevalence of hyperuricemia was lower in groups with better oral health scores. We demonstrated that oral health status and behaviors are associated with hyperuricemia, particularly in males. Further studies are necessary to confirm the association between oral health and hyperuricemia.

Evaluating the harmonization potential of oral health-related questionnaires in national longitudinal birth and child cohort surveys.

Effective use of longitudinal study data is challenging because of divergences in the construct definitions and measurement approaches over time, between studies and across disciplines. One approach to overcome these challenges is data harmonization. Data harmonization is a practice used to improve variable comparability and reduce heterogeneity across studies. This study describes the process used to evaluate the harmonization potential of oral health-related variables across each survey wave. National child cohort surveys with similar themes/objectives conducted in the last two decades were selected. The Maelstrom Research Guidelines were followed for harmonization potential evaluation. Seven nationally representative child cohort surveys were included and questionnaires examined from 50 survey waves. Questionnaires were classified into three domains and fifteen constructs and summarized by age groups. A DataSchema (a list of core variables representing the suitable version of the oral health outcomes and risk factors) was compiled comprising 42 variables. For each study wave, the potential (or not) to generate each DataSchema variable was evaluated. Of the 2100 harmonization status assessments, 543 (26%) were complete. Approximately 50% of the DataSchema variables can be generated across at least four cohort surveys while only 10% (n = 4) variables can be generated across all surveys. For each survey, the DataSchema variables that can be generated ranged between 26% and 76%. Data harmonization can improve the comparability of variables both within and across surveys. For future cohort surveys, the authors advocate more consistency and standardization in survey questionnaires within and between surveys.

Variables associated with oral health-related self-efficacy - results of a cross-sectional study.

Oral health-related self-efficacy (OH-SE) is pivotal for oral health and is associated with other oral-health related variables, such as dental fear and anxiety (DF/A) and dental hygiene behaviors (DHB). This study attempts to analyze associations between OH-SE and oral healthrelated variables in a German population to extend previous research by analyzing whether OH-SE can be predicted by these variables, as this might contribute to the development of treatment interventions. OH-SE, DF/A, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), self-perceived dental condition, satisfaction with general health, DHB, and socioeconomic status were assessed as a part of the Saxon Longitudinal Study in an adult sample (n = 309, 56.3% female, all Saxon secondary school 8th graders in 1987). The associations of OH-SE with these variables were examined by means of correlation, multiple linear regression analyses, and group comparisons. Significance (p), standardized regression coefficients (β), and effect size (Cohen's d) were calculated. The correlation analyses revealed increased OH-SE to be accompanied by low levels of DF/A, high levels of OHRQoL, high levels of self-perceived dental condition, increased satisfaction with general health and socioeconomic status (all r ≥ 0.142; all p ≤ 0.013). In the regression analysis, OH-SE was mainly predicted by self-perceived dental condition and satisfaction with general health (R2 = 0.157) as well as by daily frequency of toothbrushing, OHRQoL, and socioeconomic status on a trend-level basis. In the group comparisons OH-SE was lower in participants with moderate for manifest DF/A and higher in individuals with higher OHRQoL, better self-perceived dental condition, increased satisfaction with general health, increased daily frequency of toothbrushing, more dental appointments, and above-average socioeconomic status (trend level; all t ≥ 1.57; p ≤ 0.059). In this cross-sectional study, high levels of OH-SE were mainly predicted by general health as well as self-perceived dental condition. It was also associated with decreased DF/A, increased DHB, higher OHRQoL, and higher socioeconomic status. Future research should analyze these associations in longitudinal designs to address whether interventions focusing on adherence to good DHB improve (dental) health and thus OH-SE. This might be a promising approach, particularly in relation to the treatment of DF/A.

Nutritional status of older adults in India: An exploration of the role of oral health and food insecurity factors

BackgroundIn this study, we attempted to generate insights into the determinants of nutritional status among older adults in India by exploring the role of factors including oral health, food insecurity, socioeconomic, demographic and health-related variables. The study also examined the moderating role of tooth loss with the association between chewing ability and nutritional status. MethodsThe data was obtained from Longitudinal Ageing Study India (LASI) – Wave 1 (2017-18). The sample consisted of 27,411 older adults (Male = 13, 232; Female = 14, 179) aged 60 years and above. In addition to descriptive and bivariate analysis, we employed multinominal logistic regression analysis. ResultThere was a significant association between the ability to chew solid food and tooth loss in the nutritional status of older adults. It was further revealed that tooth loss acted as a moderator (aRRR = 1.50, 95 % CI: 1.08–2.08) between the chewing ability and the risk of being underweight. The weight loss due to food insecurity increased the relative risk ratio of being underweight (aRRR = 1.58, 95 % CI: 1.25–2.00). Further evidence showed that self-rated health (SRH), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), morbidity status and socioeconomic factors had a significant role in determining the nutritional status among older adults. ConclusionChewing ability, tooth loss, and food insecurity determine nutritional status among older adults. It is suggested to care for oral and general physical health as these factors increase the risk of nutritional deficits. Also, policy measures should be strengthened to address the specific health and food security needs of older adults from vulnerable socioeconomic circumstances.

Oral health-related quality of life in 4–16-year-olds with and without juvenile idiopathic arthritis

BackgroundFew studies have investigated oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in young individuals with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Aims were to investigate whether OHRQoL differs between children and adolescents with JIA compared to controls without JIA, while adjusting for socio-demographic-, behavioral- and oral health-related covariates. Furthermore, to explore whether socio-behavioral and oral health-related covariates of OHRQoL vary according to group affiliation and finally, specifically for individuals with JIA, to investigate whether disease-specific features associate with OHRQoL. We hypothesized that participants with JIA have poorer OHRQoL compared to participants without JIA.MethodsIn this comparative cross-sectional study participants with JIA (n = 224) were matched to controls without JIA (n = 224). OHRQoL was assessed according to Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) (4–11-years-olds) and the child version of Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (Child-OIDP) (12–16-years-olds). JIA-specific characteristics were assessed by pediatric rheumatologists and socio-demographic, behavioral and self-reported oral health information collected by questionnaires. Index teeth were examined for caries by calibrated dentists. Multiple variable analyses were performed using logistic regression, reporting odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Two-way interactions were tested between group affiliation and the socio-behavioral- and oral health-related variables on the respective outcome variables.ResultsIn total, 96 participants with JIA and 98 controls were evaluated according to ECOHIS, corresponding numbers for Child-OIDP was 125 and 124. Group affiliation was not associated with impaired ECOHIS or Child-OIDP in adjusted analyses (OR = 1.95, 95% CI 0.94–4.04 and OR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.46–2.17, respectively). Female adolescents with JIA were more likely than males to report oral impacts according to Child-OIDP. Continued activity or flare was found to adversely affect Child-OIDP, also self-reported outcome measures in JIA associated with Child-OIDP.ConclusionsThis study did not provide consistent evidence to confirm the hypothesis that children and adolescents with JIA are more likely to have impaired OHRQoL compared to their peers without JIA. However, female adolescents with JIA were more likely than males to report impacts on OHRQoL. Furthermore, within the JIA group, adolescents with continued disease activity, flare or reporting pain, physical disability, had higher risk than their counterparts of impaired OHRQoL.

The use of interdental cleaning devices and periodontal disease contingent on the number of remaining teeth in Korean adults

This study aimed to investigate the effect of interdental brushes and dental floss on the prevention of periodontitis in participants with ≥ 20 or < 20 remaining teeth by using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016–2018. Data from 11,614 participants were analysed using multivariate logistic regression after adjusting for sociodemographic factors (age and sex), socioeconomic factors (level of education and individual income), oral health-related variables (daily toothbrushing), and systemic health-related variables (smoking, diabetes, and obesity). The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) showed statistically significant results for both floss (AOR, 1.41; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22–1.64) and interdental brushes (AOR, 1.16; 95% CI 1.01–1.34). However, no significant difference was found in the subjects with fewer than 20 teeth. The subgroup analysis showed that interdental brushes had a significant preventive effect on women who had more than 20 teeth. Among participants with fewer than 20 teeth, interdental brush users had more periodontitis in men. Regarding those with more than 20 teeth, health inequality was alleviated when floss and interdental brushes were used. The bottom line is that the effect of preventing periodontitis in interdental brushes and dental floss was more evident in participants with ≥ 20 remaining teeth rather than in participants with < 20 remaining teeth.

Oral Health Literacy, Sense of Coherence and Associations With Poor School Performance.

This study aimed to investigate the associations of oral health literacy (OHL), sense of coherence (SOC) and other covariates with self-reported school performance (SRSP) in adolescents enrolled in public schools in Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study conducted with adolescents aged from 14 to 18 years enrolled in 6 public schools in Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. Researchers carried out data collection at schools using a self-administered structured questionnaire. The dependent variable was SRSP. The explanatory factors included were sociodemographic characteristics, OHL, SOC, self-rated oral health, health behaviors, and experience of bullying. Analyses included simple and multiple logistic regression models. The final sample consisted of 385 adolescents with a mean age of 16 years. Poor school performance was associated (95%CI) with being male, with more than 1 sibling, individual whose last visit to the dentist was due to dental pain, with a lower level of OHL and SOC. OHL and SOC were important factors associated with SRSP performance together with other sociodemographic and oral health-related variables in high school students. Our findings reinforce the importance of intersectoral actions between the health and education sectors to promote better school performance among adolescents, including actions to improve OHL and SOC.

Dimensional structure of the OHIP-14 and associations with self-report oral health-related variables in home-dwelling Norwegians aged 70+

Objectives The primary objective of the present study was to investigate the dimensional structure of the OHIP-14 in a sample of elderly Norwegians. A secondary objective was to describe associations between the exposed OHIP-14 dimensions and additional self-report oral health-related variables to assess the dimensions’ criterion validity. Materials and methods A survey questionnaire including the OHIP-14 and additional self-report oral health-related measures was completed by 325 home-dwelling Norwegians aged 70+. Exploratory factor analysis was used to investigate the dimensional structure of the OHIP-14 in this sample. Bivariate correlations were used to describe associations between the exposed OHIP-14 dimensions and additional self-report oral health-related variables. Results Three dimensions named psychosocial impacts, oral function impacts and general function impacts were revealed. Convergent and discriminant validity of these dimensions were largely supported, and internal consistency reliability for each dimension was good. Statistically significant associations were found between the exposed dimensions and additional self-report oral health-related variables, supporting the dimensions’ criterion validity. Conclusions A three-dimensional structure of the OHIP-14 was exposed and validated in the present study sample. Since different aspects of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) may be perceived and weighted differently in various populations, suggestions for future research include more profound investigations of the construct validity of the OHIP-14 and similar instruments assessing OHRQoL. Such research should include an exploration of various dimensions and the weights given to them through qualitative research in the target population(s).

Oral health related quality of life in long-term survivors of head and neck cancer compared to a general population from the seventh Troms\xf8 study

BackgroundBoth the incidence and survival rate of head and neck cancer (HNC) is increasing, making quality of life of HNC survivors an important issue.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study we compared the oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) of long-term HNC survivors to that of a general population cohort from the seventh survey of the Tromsø study with the Oral Impact on Daily Performances questionnaire. Comparisons were done with frequency analyses and cross tabulation. We also assessed OHRQoL’s association to sociodemographic and oral health related variables in both cohorts as well as with cancer related variables in the HNC cohort with regression analyses.ResultsThe HNC survivors had four times the risk of reporting problems with daily performances compared with the general population cohort. The ability to eat and enjoy food was most frequently affected in both cohorts. Moderate-poor self-rated dental health and general health as well as high frequency of dental visits were significantly associated with poorer OHRQoL. To have a history of oral or pharyngeal cancer was associated with more problems than having a history of laryngeal cancer.ConclusionsOur study shows that HNC treatment is associated with a strong and lasting impairment of OHRQoL, highlighting the need to find less toxic, yet effective ways to treat the disease, and to provide easy access to expert dental care at all stages of the disease to minimize morbidity. Given the widespread side effects of cancer treatment, a multidisciplinary approach might be required to improve the OHRQoL of HNC survivors.

Oral health-related quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease.

BackgroundParkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition affecting the quality of life. Due to a worsening of oral health in PD patients with the progression of the disease, oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) could be impaired as well.ObjectivesTo assess whether PD patients in The Netherlands experience worse OHRQoL than historical controls, and to investigate which factors are associated with OHRQoL in PD patients.Materials & MethodsIn total, 341 PD patients (65.5 ± 8.4 years) and 411 historical controls (62.6 ± 5.3 years) participated. Both groups completed a questionnaire. The PD patients were asked questions regarding demographics, PD, oral health, and OHRQoL. The historical controls filled in demographic information and questions regarding OHRQoL. The latter construct was assessed using the Dutch 14‐item version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14). Data were analysed using independent samples t‐tests and univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis.ResultsThe mean OHIP‐14 score was higher in PD patients (19.1 ± 6.7) than in historical controls (16.5 ± 4.4) (t(239) = 6.5; p < .001). OHRQoL in PD patients was statistically significant associated with motor aspects of experiences of daily living (B = 0.31; t(315) = 7.03; p < .001), worsening of the oral environment during disease course (B = 3.39; t(315) = 4.21; p < .001), being dentate (B = −5.60; t(315) = −4.5; p < .001), tooth wear (B = 2.25; t(315) = 3.29; p = .001), and possible burning mouth syndrome (B = 5.87; t(315) = 2.87; p = .004).ConclusionPD patients had a lower OHRQoL than historical controls. Besides, PD‐related variables and oral health‐related variables were associated with OHRQoL.

Religiosity is associated with caregivers' perception of preschool children's dental health.

The aim of the study was to investigate the association between psychosocial factors and perception of caregivers about the dental health of their preschool children. A cross-sectional analysis was performed with 146 caregiver-child dyads attended at Pediatric Dentistry school clinics in Goiânia, Midwest Brazil. Data were collected through a structured interview and a questionnaire with the caregivers and the children's dental records. The study outcome was caregivers' perception of children's dental health (positive or negative). The independent psychosocial variables were religiosity (Duke University Religion Index - DUREL) and Sense of Coherence (Antonovsky's SOC-13 scale). Sociodemographic data and oral health-related variables were also collected as covariates. Bivariate analysis (Pearson's chi-square, T-test, and Mann-Whitney) and Poisson regression with robust variance were performed. The prevalence of negative perception was 54.8%. In bivariate analysis, negative perception was associated with caries experience and report of dental pain at any time in the child's life. In the adjusted regression model, prevalence of caregivers with negative perception of their children's dental health was 1.38 times higher in the group with low organizational religiosity (PR = 1.38; 95%CI 1.05-1.81) and 2.35 times higher in the group of children with high caries experience (PR = 2.35; 95%CI 1.54-3.60). In conclusion, religiosity was associated with caregivers' perception of dental health of their preschool children undergoing treatment in specialized dental clinics, regardless of their caries experience.

Association between the Number of Prosthetic Crowns and Periodontitis: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNANES VII) from 2016-2018.

Although the presence of prosthetic restorations has been associated with plaque accumulation, gingivitis, and periodontitis, there is a lack of large epidemiological investigations providing evidence on the association of prosthetic crowns with periodontitis. This study aimed to analyze the association between the number of prosthetic crowns and the presence of periodontitis. This study was based on the Seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016–2018). A total of 12,689 participants over the age of 19 years were surveyed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the association between the number of prosthetic crowns and periodontitis after adjusting for potential confounders, including demographic variables, socio-economic characteristics, oral health-related variables, and oral and systemic clinical variables. The odds ratio of periodontitis showed statistically significant differences in the anterior and posterior regions, and the prevalence of periodontal disease increased as the number of crown prostheses increased. Participants with 6–10 and 11 prosthetic crowns had 1.24 and 1.28 times higher prevalence of periodontitis, respectively, than patients with no prosthetic crown. The results of this study show that the number of prosthetic crowns present in adults is related to the prevalence of periodontitis.

What do we learn from the clinical and biological evaluation of the oral cavity in centenarians?

The number of centenarians is rapidly increasing worldwide and so are the studies on this segment of the population. A general consensus in the literature is that healthy longevity is an outcome of multiple factors, but the interrelationship between good oral health and healthy aging remains not fully understood. As part of the “CaT: Centenari a Trieste” study, a population-based cohort study set in Trieste, Italy, we report here the results of subjective self-reported oral health parameters and objective clinical and biological oral variables and their association with cognitive impairment in 25 centenarians enrolled in the study from September 2017 to May 2019. Oral health-related variables were recorded by means of a self-evaluation questionnaire and a comprehensive oral examination of teeth, prostheses and mucosae conducted by a trained dentist. In addition, 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) taste perception and salivary oxidative stress markers, specifically the Total Oxidative Status and Ferric Reducing Ability of Saliva, were measured. Finally, the oral data obtained were compared with the presence or absence of dementia in the enrolled subjects. The centenarians included in our study were generally satisfied with their oral health. Among the causes of discomfort, the most prevalent were difficulties in chewing and biting, with few subjects describing a correlation between their oral health and psycho-social issues. We evaluated possible relations of clinical and biological variables to the likelihood of being demented and did not find significant associations. We found a higher though not statistically significant mean salivary flow and antioxidant capacity of saliva in non-demented subjects. When evaluating the PROP taste perception profile, we found a higher proportion of supertasters compared with previous studies and different taste perception profiles according to dementia. Despite the relatively small number of participants, we believe that our study contributes to a better understanding of the clinical and biological profile of the oral cavity in subjects aged over 100 years, encouraging the inclusion of a comprehensive evaluation of the oral cavity in centenarian studies performed worldwide.

Nível socioeconômico, saúde bucal e fatores associados no suporte social de gestantes: estudo transversal

Avaliar a associação entre variáveis socioeconômicas e relacionadas a saúde bucal no suporte social percebido por gestantes. Esse estudo transversal incluiu uma amostra obtida em conglomerados de gestantes atendidas no serviço público de saúde no sul do Brasil. As gestantes responderam questionários acerca de características demográficas, socioeconômicas e relacionadas à saúde bucal. O suporte social foi avaliado através da escala Medical Outcomes Study. As variáveis clínicas incluíram cárie dentária não tratada e sangramento gengival. Análise de Regressão de Poisson em multinível foram utilizados para avaliar a influência dos preditores no suporte social. A amostra foi composta por 254 gestantes. Gestantes com pior autopercepção de saúde bucal, níveis extensivos de sangramento gengival e com menor nível socioeconômico apresentaram um pior suporte social. Fatores socioeconômicos e relacionados à saúde bucal exerceram impacto no suporte social percebido por gestantes. &#x0D;

Prevalence and sociobehavioural determinants of early childhood caries among 5-year-old Portuguese children: a longitudinal study.

To assess the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) and associated factors among a 5-year-old cohort. An observational longitudinal study was conducted with a sample of 142 preschoolers. A calibrated dentist performed intraoral examinations following International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS-II) criteria at baseline and after 6months. A questionnaire on sociodemographic variables and oral health-related behaviours was answered by caregivers. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and computation of confidence intervals (95% confidence level). Baseline prevalence of ECC and severe ECC (S-ECC) were 40.1% and 11.3%, respectively. After 6months ECC and S-ECC prevalence rates were 46.5%, and 13.2%, respectively. At both evaluations most caries lesions were untreated. Parental education and occupation were significantly associated with ECC. Behaviour variables found to be significantly associated with the disease comprised: establishing toothbrushing habits before the first year, toothbrushing twice daily and with parental assistance, frequency of dental visits, age at first dental visits, daily ingestion of sweets and number of daily meals. The prevalence of ECC was very high, with most of the lesions left untreated. ECC experience was associated with participants' socioeconomic background and several of the surveyed oral health-related behaviour variables.

Self-reported illness perception and oral health-related quality of life predict adherence to initial periodontal treatment.

To investigate the impact of periodontal disease perception and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), towards the initial periodontal treatment adherence (IPTA). This prospective study included 571 patients (274 males and 297 females, mean age 63.1±14.5) with periodontal disease, from the Study of Periodontal Health in Almada-Seixal (SoPHiAS). We assessed the potential connections, between sociodemographic characteristics, oral hygiene behaviours, periodontal measures, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ) and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), through a structural equation modelling (SEM). Multivariate logistic regression assessed significant oral health-related variables towards IPTA. Overall, 265 participants had IPTA (46.4%). The SEM had a good fit to the data on all six latent variables (χ2 =2.221, CFI=0.921, RMSEA=0.0.046). Multivariate analysis for IPTA indicated Treatment Control (Odds Ratio [OR]=1.07) and Identity domains of Brief-IPQ (OR=1.10) and Functional Limitation domain of OHIP-14 (OR=1.60) as significant predictors. The obtained tool had a satisfactory prediction of IPTA (61.1%). Initial periodontal treatment adherence is influenced by patient's perception on periodontal disease treatment and identity domains and by functional impact domain of OHRQoL. Future studies shall investigate the effect of modelling these domains on therapeutic success and public health strategies.

Development of an Oral and Maxillofacial Frailty Index: A preliminary study.

The purpose of this study is to develop an index to measure oral and maxillofacial frailty in older adults as an acceptable screening tool. Three hundred adults (aged≥50years) participated in this study by telephone interview. Ten candidate items for the Oral and Maxillofacial Frailty Index (OMFI) and 20 matched detailed items for oral and maxillofacial functions were asked. Information about sociodemographic and oral health-related variables was also obtained. The test-retest reliability of the 10 candidate items was determined. Correlations of the 10 candidate items with the 20 detailed items or sociodemographic and oral health-related variables were analysed to test the validity of the candidate items. To suggest optimal items for the OMFI, five different models with different numbers of items were constructed and evaluated based on their associations with main variables. The overall internal consistency of the 10 candidate items was .704, and the Cronbach's alpha value of each item was .23-.55. The test-retest reliability was excellent. There were significant correlations between the 10 candidate and 20 matched detailed items. The score of the 10 candidate items was significantly different according to gender, education level and oral health-related variables. The final five items for the OMFI were difficulties in chewing, the necessity of water when eating dry food, difficulties in jaw or tongue movements, difficulties in speaking or pronunciation and difficulties in facial expression. The five items could be used as a screening tool for evaluating oral and maxillofacial frailty in older adults.

Association between regular walking and periodontitis according to socioeconomic status: a cross-sectional study

Physical activity reduces the risk and mortality risk of inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to examine the relationship between regular walking and periodontitis in a Korean representative sample of adults according to socioeconomic status. Data acquired by the Sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2014 and 2015 were used. The survey was completed by 11,921 (5,175 males; 6,746 females) participants (≥19 years). Individuals without values on periodontitis were excluded, and 9,728 participants remained. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done using socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, income, education), oral health-related variables (flossing, interdental brushing, community periodontal index), oral and general health status and behaviour (smoking, diabetes mellitus), and regular walking. In all models, subjects who walked regularly had significantly lower risks of periodontitis. After adjusting for age, gender, income, education, smoking, diabetes mellitus, flossing, and interdental brushing, the odds ratio for periodontitis in subjects who walked regularly was 0.793 (95% Confidence interval: 0.700–0.898). Non-regular walking groups showed similar social gradients. Risk of low socioeconomic status was not significant in the regular walking group after adjusting for age, gender, income, and education. This study found that regular walking is associated to lower prevalence of periodontitis and can attenuate the relationship between periodontitis and low socioeconomic status.

Association between semi-solid yogurt intake and periodontitis in Korean adults.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the association between the intake of semi-solid yogurt and periodontitis in Korean adults using a national database.MethodsThe data analyzed in this study are a subset of the sixth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2015 by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The sample size for this study was 4,727. We collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, oral health-related variables, oral and general health status, and intake of semi-solid yogurt. Semi-solid yogurt intake (YI) was calculated by multiplying the frequency of YI over the previous week by the average intake per serving. We assessed periodontal conditions using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and defined periodontitis as a CPI score ≥3. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed after adjusting for sociodemographic variables, and oral and general health behaviors and status.ResultsThe mean weekly YI among those without periodontitis (1.03±0.06 cups) was significantly higher than among those with periodontitis (0.77±0.08 cups) (P<0.001). Individuals who consumed more than 2 cups of yogurt per day were 76% less likely to have periodontitis than those who consumed less than 1 cup of yogurt per week after adjusting for all covariates (odds ratio, 0.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.10–0.60).ConclusionsWe found a significant association between increased intake of semi-solid yogurt and periodontal health. We therefore recommend daily consumption of semi-solid yogurt as a probiotic to improve periodontal health. Further longitudinal studies are required to elucidate plausible mechanisms through which probiotics impact periodontal disease, considering both periodontal pathogens and clinical periodontal parameters.

Subjective chewing ability and health-related quality of life among the elderly.

Chewing ability may reflect the overall oral health, which affects the general health of the elderly. Therefore, we assessed the association between subjective chewing ability and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among the elderly. We analysed the data of 3034 elderly people aged ≥65years from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey that was conducted by the Korean government from 2013 to 2015 (KNHANES-VI). Subjective chewing ability was evaluated using a questionnaire, and HRQOL was assessed using EuroQol 5-dimension (EQ-5D) instrument by trained examiners. Covariates, such as socio-demographic, oral health-related and general health-related variables, were investigated. Logistic regression analysis showed that chewing ability was significantly associated with HRQOL in both crude and adjusted model for covariates such as age, gender, economic activity, residence, education, smoking, alcohol, hypertension, diabetes, remaining teeth, denture, CPI, tooth brushing and oral hygiene (crude OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 2.23-3.20) (adjusted OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.95-2.86). Chewing ability was also significantly associated with most dimensions of EQ-5D, such as motor ability, self-care, daily activities, pain and discomfort, and anxiety and depression (P<0.05). Chewing ability was significantly associated with HRQOL, suggesting that elderly people with low chewing ability are more likely to have poor health-related quality of life.