A study has suggested that young adults with depression and/or anxiety have a significantly higher risk of oral health diseases.
The research, published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, monitored the oral and mental health of more than 500 people from birth until the age of 30. The results found that those suffering from symptoms of depression are almost 20% more likely to have severe gum disease as well.
A connection between depression and the body’s ability to fight off inflammation has been made by the study, which suggests that young people with symptoms of depression are more likely to neglect their oral health. Current statistics show that around one in five people in the United suffer from anxiety and/or depression.
Dr Nigel Carter OBE, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation, said that “Gum disease and feelings of depression are two common conditions that most of us might suffer from at some point in our lives. Following this study, we now know these problems are linked and often occur together.”
He went on to note that “Understanding that mental disorders can influence the health of our mouth is extremely important.”
“More effective education, individual treatment plans, better supportive therapy and aftercare, must be provided for those suffering with depression and other mental health disorders. For these things to happen, we must first improve our ability to spot depression, which often goes undiagnosed,” he continued. “Everybody deserves the right of good oral health. Sadly, for those with depression, there are many reasons why this may negatively impact their oral health.”