Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to examine the actual use of interdental care products (ICPs), such as dental floss (DF) and interdental brushes (IDB), among Korean youth, confirm their relevance to periodontal health, and determine the factors that influence the use of each product. Methods: This study included 15,912 young adults aged 19–39 years and data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) (2007–2018). The usage rate of ICPs according to the characteristics of the subjects for each cycle of KNHANES was presented. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors affecting the use of ICP. Results: The use rates of DF and IDB gradually increased until the 7th period, reaching 34.8% and 26.8%, respectively. The rate of using more than one ICP also showed a tendency to gradually increase from 25.2% in the 4th period to 50.0% in the 7th period. The use of interdental care products is related to gingivitis and periodontitis. Factors related to the use of ICP were gender, age, education level, frequency of brushing, and dental examination experience. Conclusions: The use of dental floss or interdental toothbrushes was related to periodontal health, but only half of the adults aged 19-39 years used ICP. Therefore, oral health experts should actively encourage the use of DF and IDB in young adults.
Figures & Tables
Table 1. Distribution of the flossing and/or interdental brush use based on participants’ characteristics, KNHANES period Unit : N(%)
