Comparison of oral health problems and behavior between daytime and shift workers

Objectives: This study aimed to not only compare the oral health problems and behavior of daytime and shift workers but also investigate the effects of work type on oral health behavior to help improve occupational oral health policies and systems.Methods: Workers from three different workplaces in Jeollabuk-do were selected through convenience sampling.After posting a study recruitment notice, an online self-administered questionnaire (Naver form, Naver corp., Korea) was used to collect data.A total of 314 participants, including 179 daytime workers and 135 shift workers, were included in the final analysis.Results: Shift workers had a higher periodontal disease index and smoking rate compared with daytime workers (P<0.05).The two groups showed no significant differences in the frequency of regular health checkups.However, in both daytime and shift worker groups, a large proportion of workers did not undergo regular health checkups.Conclusions: Compared with daytime workers, shift workers experienced periodontal disease more and were more likely to be exposed to risk factors such as smoking.Based on these findings, oral health protection measures must be prepared for shift workers.