J Korean Acad Oral Health.  2021 Dec;45(4):192-197. 10.11149/jkaoh.2021.45.4.192.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on oral health behavior and oral symptoms in young adults

• Park JH
• Jang JE
• Choi YH

• KMID: 2524195
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11149/jkaoh.2021.45.4.192

Abstract

Objectives
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected the lifestyle of the public, which also holds true for oral health. This study thus aimed to elucidate the effects of wearing a mask due to COVID-19 on oral health behavior and oral symptoms in young adults from South Korea.
Methods
A total of 285 university students (mean age 23.4 years; 64.9% men and 35.1% women) responded to a web-based survey. A paired t-test was conducted to identify changes in oral health behaviors before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results
The frequency of toothbrushing (P=0.009), dental flossing (P<0.001), and interdental brushing (P=0.019) increased slightly after the pandemic.
Conclusions
Our findings indicate that young adults are more concerned about oral hygiene after the pandemic.

Keyword

COVID-19; Oral health; Oral hygiene; Young adults

Reference

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