ORAL HYGIENE CONDITION IN INDIVIDUALS WITH DIFFERENT DEGREES OF INTERNET ADDICTION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/2311-9624.2026.3.16746Keywords:
internet addiction, oral hygiene, Green-Vermillion index, dental health, behavioral risk factorsAbstract
In modern digital society, excessive internet use is increasingly viewed as a significant behavioral factor negatively affecting the quality of daily hygiene and somatic health. Aim. To analyze the relationship between the degree of internet addiction and the oral hygiene status in adult men. Materials and methods. The study involved 82 middle-aged men (50,16 ± 5,24 years). The degree of internet addiction was determined using the Kimberly Young test (K. Davydenko modification), and oral hygiene status was assessed using the OHI-S index (Green–Vermillion). Results. A clear direct correlation was established between the level of internet addiction and the quality of individual oral hygiene. In the group with normal internet usage, the hygiene index was 0,8 ± 0,5, whereas in cases of severe addiction, the value increased to 2,8 ± 0,6. A “behavioral threshold” was identified during the transition from mild to moderate addiction, which is accompanied by a sharp deterioration in oral hygiene status. Conclusions. Excessive internet addiction is a significant behavioral risk factor for dental diseases due to a decline in the quality of individual oral hygiene. The results justify the need to implement preventive programs for patients showing signs of digital addiction.
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