Relationship between the number of lost teeth and the occurrence of depressive symptoms in middle-aged adults

Abstract

Background Many recent studies suggest the existence of a relationship between oral health and the occurrence of depressive symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the number of lost teeth and the occurrence of depressive symptoms in middle-aged adults. Methods The research material included the data of 11,901 individuals aged 40–64 years (7967 women). Depressive symptoms were used as outcome variables. The declared number of lost teeth was analysed according to the following categories: 0–4, 5–8, ≥ 9, and a complete lack of natural teeth. Multivariate logistic regression analysis for depressive symptoms was used in relation to the number of lost teeth. The following covariates were included in the adjusted model: age, sex, place of residence, education, marital status, BMI, diabetes status, stressful life events in the last year, use of antidepressants, smoking, and sugar and sweet consumption. Results The likelihood of both moderate (p < .020) and severe (p < .001) depressive symptoms increased the most with a total lack of natural teeth. A loss of more than 8 natural teeth was also significantly associated (p < .008) with the occurrence of severe depressive symptoms. Conclusions The results indicated that loss of natural teeth was positively related to the occurrence of depressive symptoms in middle-aged adults. Population aging will lead to growing problems related to oral health and its consequences, including mental disorders. As a result, appropriate prophylactic and educational actions need to be taken, dedicated to middle-aged individuals.