Association between the number of existing permanent teeth and health-related quality of life (EuroQol-5 Dimension) among adults: findings from the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2012 / 대한구강보건학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the number of existing permanent teeth is associated with health-related quality of life by using EuroQol-5 Dimension (EuroQol-5D) in a representative sample of Korean adults. METHODS: A total of 5349 subjects who participated in the 2012 fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) were examined. The dependent variable was EQ-5D index and independent variable was the number of existing permanent teeth. The health-related quality of life was assessed by using EQ-5D index. The number of existing permanent teeth was evaluated by dentists using World Health Organization Index. Demographic factors (age and gender), socioeconomic status (education, income), oral health behaviors (frequency of daily toothbrushing, and regular dental visit), health behaviors (cigarette smoking, drinking, regular physical activity), general health status (depression, stress, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus) were included as confounder in analysis. Multivariable linear regression model, stratified analysis and analysis of covariance were applied. RESULTS: After adjustment for various confounders, the number of existing permanent teeth was positively associated with EQ-5D index (P<0.001). This association was highlighted among 40-59 year-old males and over 60 year-old females. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that the number of existing permanent teeth was independently associated with EQ-5D index. Our results provided the substantially important evidence on the health and oral health promotion for Korean adults.