Study links mental health to oral and dental wellbeing
A new study finds that depression and anxiety symptoms negatively impact dental health and quality of life related to oral wellbeing.
Key Takeaways
AIA recent study has revealed a strong connection between mental health and oral and dental wellbeing, showing that symptoms of depression and anxiety negatively affect dental and gum health, as well as quality of life related to oral health.
Researchers analyzed data from 650 individuals and found that higher levels of depression and anxiety were associated with poorer self-assessments of dental and gum health. Oral health problems also impacted participants’ daily lives, according to Sputnik news agency.
The study noted a decline in oral health indicators among people over the age of 45 and those from middle-income families.
The researchers called for mental health assessments to be included in patient care plans at dental clinics, as identifying anxiety and depression could help improve prevention and treatment of oral and dental diseases.