Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate oral health status and oral health behaviors in elderly Koreans with periodontal disease.

Methods

The data of the Seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016–2018) were used. This cross-sectional study included 2981 individuals who were at least 65 years of age. Periodontal disease was assessed in oral health exams. Subjective oral health status (e.g., toothache) and oral health behaviors (e.g., tooth brushing and oral health examination) were assessed in health interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression.

Results

The overall prevalence of periodontal disease in the study population was 47.5%. Individuals with periodontal disease were more likely to have a toothache than those without periodontal disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.20–1.77). Individuals with periodontal disease were also more likely to have chewing discomfort (aOR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.01–1.44) and less likely to use oral hygiene products (aOR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.60–0.91) than those without periodontal disease.

Conclusions

About half of elderly had the periodontal disease. Elderly Koreans with periodontal disease were more likely to have poor oral health and behavior than those without periodontal disease. The results of this study provide an insight into social and behavioral factors associated with periodontal diseases in older Koreans. It is necessary to confirm these results through prospective studies.