The effects of dietary habits and oral health behaviors on dental pain experience among adolescents

Objectives: This study investigated the effects of dietary habits and oral health behaviors on dental pain experience among adolescents using data from the 21st Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2025). Methods:This study analyzed data from 53,718 adolescents in the 21st Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2025).Complex sample chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were performed.Results: Dental pain experience was significantly associated with dietary habits and oral health behaviors.Higher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, high-caffeine beverages, and fast food was associated with increased dental pain experience.In contrast, bedtime toothbrushing was associated with reduced dental pain experience.Adolescents who did not consume sugar-sweetened beverages (OR=0.53)and those who brushed their teeth before bedtime (OR=0.76)showed lower odds of experiencing dental pain.Conclusions: Dietary habits and oral health behaviors were associated with dental pain experience among adolescents.Oral health education promoting healthy dietary habits and bedtime toothbrushing is needed to improve adolescent oral health.