The correlation between soft drink consumption and subjective oral symptoms in Korean adolescents

Ji-Hye Park*   

Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between soft drink consumption and subjective oral symptoms in Korean adolescents. Methods: Data of 65,528 adolescents were derived from the twelfth Korea youth risk behavior web-based survey, which was conducted from 1st June 2016 to 30th June 2016. Sociodemographic factors, dietary habit, and oral health behavior were collected as independent variables. The subjective oral symptoms were used as a dependent variable. The chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were performed to identify the correlation between dental caries and the other variables. Results: A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that subjective oral symptoms were correlated with sex, age, subjective economic status, soft drink consumption, sweet drink consumption, tooth brushing frequency and dental sealant experience. Conclusions: Since the intake of soft drink adversely effects subjectively perceived oral symptoms in Korean adolescents, oral health education should include information on the pH levels of food and beverages including carbonated drinks, the effects of sugar on the teeth, and precautions to preventing tooth damage.

Figures & Tables

Table 1. Sociodemographic factors, dietary habit, and oral health behavior of study subjects