Better oral health linked to lower risk of depression and anxiety in older adults

A study of elderly adults in China found that individuals with better oral health were less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. Those who brushed their teeth at least twice a day had 28% lower odds of developing anxiety compared to individuals who brushed their teeth rarely or only occasionally. Participants who had received dental surgery had 42% lower odds of developing depression than those with missing or unrepaired teeth. The research was published in Frontiers in Nutrition.

Oral health refers to the condition of the mouth, including the teeth, gums, tongue, and surrounding tissues. It plays a vital role in overall health, as poor oral hygiene can lead to infections, tooth loss, and may contribute to conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Maintaining good oral health involves regular brushing and flossing, a balanced diet, and routine dental checkups. Common oral health problems include cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and oral infections.

Healthy gums are essential for supporting the teeth and preventing periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Oral health also involves being free from pain, sores, or other conditions that interfere with chewing, speaking, or smiling. Children, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions are at greater risk of experiencing oral health problems.

Study author Chan Huang and his colleagues sought to explore the relationship between oral health, dietary behavior, and mental health in elderly Chinese adults. They hypothesized that poor oral health might be associated with depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.

The researchers analyzed data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), a long-term tracking project conducted by the Center for Healthy Aging and Development Studies at the National School of Development, Peking University. The survey spans 23 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China and focuses on individuals aged 60 and older, as well as their offspring. The full survey included 15,874 individuals.

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For this analysis, the researchers used data from participants aged 65 and above who had provided information about their oral health, mental health, and general characteristics. This subset included 3,188 individuals, 179 of whom were 100 years old or older. Approximately 44% of the participants were over the age of 80.

The study relied on participants’ responses regarding their nutritional habits—covering 17 categories of food items—as well as information on their oral health status, cognitive function, and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The results showed that individuals with more missing teeth were more likely to experience dementia. Those who brushed their teeth two or more times a day had 22% lower odds of experiencing anxiety compared to those who brushed infrequently. Similarly, participants who reported eating fruits and vegetables daily were significantly less likely to develop anxiety than those who ate them less often.

Individuals who had undergone dental procedures to repair missing teeth had 42% lower odds of experiencing depression compared to those with unrepaired tooth loss. Participants who ate vegetables daily had more than twice the odds of avoiding depression compared to those who consumed them less frequently. Individuals who brushed their teeth regularly and ate fruits and vegetables daily were also less likely to suffer from dementia.

“Oral health and dietary behavior are closely related to the susceptibility of middle-aged and elderly individuals to depression, anxiety, and dementia,” the study authors concluded.

This research adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting a link between oral health, nutrition, and mental well-being. However, the cross-sectional design of the study limits the ability to draw conclusions about cause and effect. While poor oral health may contribute to mental health problems, it is also possible that depression and anxiety reduce a person’s ability to maintain good oral hygiene.

The paper, “Modelling analysis of dietary behaviors and oral health status to assess the impact on the mental well-being of elderly individuals: a cross-sectional survey study,” was authored by Chan Huang, Mingzhu Song, Xiao Wei, Xingyan Wang, Honglin Dai, Zhiqiong Gou, Feiyang Chenwu, Yanqiu Jiang, Jie Wan, Yurun Guo, and Xiaoping Yu.