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KMID : 0362720230610010067
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Journal of the Korean Dental Association
2023 Volume.61 No. 1 p.67 ~ p.76
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Epidemiology of oral health in Korean elderly and their significance
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Jung Hoi-In
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Abstract
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Evidence shows oral health is essential for preventing general frailty and increasing healthy life expectancy.
In this study, the oral health of the elderly over sixty-five years old was examined through representative indicators selected in the 5th National Health Plan(HP2030). Data from the 5th (2010-2012), 6th (2013-2015), 7th (2016-2018), and 8th (2019) Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were used. The subjects were aged sixty-five years or older, and the percentage of having twenty or more natural teeth, the complaint rate of chewing discomfort, the rate of brushing right after lunch, and the rate of oral examination were calculated by year.
The percentage of people aged sixty-five or older with twenty or more teeth increased from 45.8% in 2010 to 56.3% in 2019. Also, the complaint rate of chewing discomfort decreased from 44.3% in 2010 to 37.0% in 2019. The practice rate of tooth brushing right after lunch increased from 24.6% in 2010 to 34.5% in 2019.
Meanwhile, the oral examination rate increased from 12.2% in 2010 to 28.1% in 2019.
The level of oral health of Korean elderly over 65 is improving. Nevertheless, almost half of all older adults do not have 20 or more natural teeth. Also, the degree of discomfort experienced in chewing did not decrease significantly. Therefore, continuous efforts are needed to improve the oral health problems of the elderly.
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KEYWORD
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oral health, oral frailty, elderly, HP2030
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