Journal of Korean Society of Dental Hygiene (J Korean Soc Dent Hyg)
Original Article

The association between mental health factors and the prevalence of oral diseases in Korean adolescents

1Department of Dental Hygiene, Suwon Women’s University
2Department of Dental Hygiene, Cheongam University

Correspondence to Hye-Jeong Youn, Department of Dental Hygiene, Suwon Women’s University, 72 Onseong-ro, Gweonseon-gu, Suwon-Si, Gyeonggi-do, 16632, Korea. Tel: +82-31-290-8257, Fax: +82-31-290-8190, E-mail: yhj@swc.ac.kr

Volume 25, Number 6, Pages 579-88, December 2025.
J Korean Soc Dent Hyg 2025;25(6):579-88. https://doi.org/10.13065/jksdh.2025.25.6.11
Received on November 11, 2025, Revised on December 01, 2025, Accepted on December 03, 2025, Published on December 30, 2025.
Copyright © 2025 Journal of Korean Society of Dental Hygiene.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0).

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the relationship between mental health factors and oral diseases in Korean adolescents, thereby providing foundational evidence to support mental well-being and promote oral health. Methods: Using data from 54,653 adolescents who participated in the 20th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey in 2024, statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0 to examine the relationships among general participant characteristics, mental health factors, and oral health outcomes. Results: Mental health problems, including inadequate recovery from sleep, loneliness, sadness, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation, were more common among females, high school students, adolescents with lower socioeconomic status, those with a history of drinking or smoking, and those with poor perceived health (p<0.001, p<0.01). These mental health factors, along with stress, were significantly associated with an increased risk of developing oral pain (p<0.001). Suicidal ideation was also significantly associated with both types of oral pain, with stronger effects observed for gum pain (p<0.05, p<0.001). Conclusions: Adolescents’ mental health significantly correlated with their oral health status. Early screening and intervention for vulnerable groups is crucial, and the establishment of integrated youth-centered programs and policies that connect mental health and oral care within the family, school, and community environments is highly recommended.

Keywords

Adolescent, Mental health, Oral diseases, Oral health

Section