Association between Drinking Behaviors and Periodontal Status in Adults by Age Group

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between drinking behaviors and the need for periodontal treatment. The data of 5,995 adults from the 2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were categorized into young adulthood (19∼39 years), middle age (40∼64 years), and old age (≥65 years) and analyzed. Chi-square test was performed to determine those who needed periodontal treatment by the respondents` general characteristics and drinking behaviors, and logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine the impact of each drinking behavior on the need for periodontal treatment. The results of this study have confirmed that alcohol intake is a factor adversely affecting periodontal status; therefore, patients should know the fact that excessive alcohol intake and increased frequency of drinking may affect the prevalence rate of periodontal diseases. Moreover, moderate-drinking programs that can reinforce prevention of drinking so that dental hygienists can provide good oral health care should be developed. A systematic oral health promotion program should be introduced for constant prevention with the objective of activating oral health education that focused on middle-aged and young-adult people in pursuit of healthy aging society.