The Relationship between Oral Health Behaviors and Generalized Anxiety Disorder among Korean Adolescents: Based on the 20th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (2024)

Objectives: This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the association between generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and oral health behaviors among Korean adolescents, utilizing data from the 20th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (2024). Methods: Data from approximately 54,000 middle and high school students were analyzed. GAD was assessed using the GAD-7 scale (score ≥10 for high-risk), and oral health behavior by daily toothbrushing frequency. Complex sample cross-tabulation and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: The prevalence of the GAD high-risk group was 56.39%, a significant increase from previous surveys. Key factors significantly associated with GAD high-risk included perceived stress, female gender, economic status, subjective health, sleep recovery, unhealthy dietary habits (high-caffeine, sugary drinks, fast food), and physical activity. Factors influencing toothbrushing frequency included gender (females higher), grade level, academic performance, and economic status. Healthier lifestyle habits (e.g., regular breakfast, fruit intake, less unhealthy food, more physical activity) were also linked to better toothbrushing. Importantly, lower toothbrushing frequency was significantly associated with a higher proportion in the GAD high-risk group (e.g., 60.36% for ≤1 time/day). Conclusions: Overall health promotion efforts can positively impact oral health management. This highlights the necessity for developing integrated policies and educational programs that address both the mental and oral health of adolescents.