Factors Related To Metabolic Syndrome And Oral Health: A National Cross-Sectional Study In Korea

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between oral health conditions and metabolic syndrome risk among Korean adults aged 40 years and older.

Methods: We utilized data from the 2019–2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). A total of 8,477 adults aged 40 and above were analyzed using complex sample logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome was defined based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria. Oral health was evaluated by self-reported chewing difficulty, periodontitis, and speaking difficulty due to oral problems.

Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 49.0%. Factors significantly associated with metabolic syndrome included gender, age, residence, marital status, income, education, smoking, physical activity, chewing difficulty, periodontitis, and speaking difficulty due to oral problems. Individuals with severe chewing difficulty, periodontitis, or speaking problems were more likely to have metabolic syndrome. For chewing difficulty, the odds ratio (ORs) for metabolic syndrome risk in moderate and severe, compared to none, were 1.23 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.23) and 1.24 (95% CI, 1.03–1.26), respectively. The OR for periodontitis was 1.21 (95% CI, 1.01–1.23) compared to none. The OR for speaking difficulty due to oral problems was 1.29 (95% CI, 1.06–1.33) compared to none.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that oral health is closely associated with metabolic syndrome and should be considered in public health management strategies. Interdisciplinary preventive measures are recommended for metabolic syndrome management in aging populations.