Impact of Oral Health and Oral Heath Behavior on Happiness Among Young Adults in Mangalore City – An Explorative Study

Happiness plays a major role in an individuals’ physical and mental wellbeing. It is known to depend on various internal and external factors. Depression, stress and other factors are known to influence oral health. Few studies have examined impact of oral health and oral health behaviors on happiness among young adults, especially in the Indian scenario. The study was conducted to assess the impact of oral health and oral health behaviors on happiness among young adults in Mangalore, Karnataka, India. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 16-23-year-old college students in Mangalore. Sociodemographic details, oral health behavior, oral hygiene habits and practices were obtained by self-administered questionnaire. Perceived happiness was recorded using Subjective Happiness Scale. Oral health status was assessed by using WHO oral health assessment proforma (2013). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed of happiness scores with age (β=-0.104, t=-2.47, p=0.014), decayed Teeth (β=-0.073, t=-1.75, p=0.50) and family income (β=0.089, t=2.10, p=0.036) and were found to be significant predictors of happiness scores. From our study conducted it can be concluded that age, decayed teeth and family income emerged as significant predictors of happiness scores among respondents. There is a definite need to inculcate appropriate oral hygiene regimens and preventive dental care among young adults. This might have important implications for their overall general and mental wellbeing.