Relationships among oral hygiene behavior, toothache, and depressive symptoms in Chinese older adults

Cui, Yan; Yang, Ling; Du, Jing; Duan, Ying; Qi, Qi; Liu, Huaqing

doi:10.1007/s00784-023-05231-8

Cited by 1 publication

(3 citation statements)

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“…The results showed that individuals with poor mental health were more likely to have untreated dental caries, missing teeth, and lower utilization of dental services. A study by Cui et al [9] investigated the relationships among oral hygiene behavior, toothache, and depressive symptoms in Chinese older adults. The authors found that poor oral hygiene behavior and toothache were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, suggesting a bidirectional relationship between oral health and mental health [9].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A study by Cui et al [9] investigated the relationships among oral hygiene behavior, toothache, and depressive symptoms in Chinese older adults. The authors found that poor oral hygiene behavior and toothache were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, suggesting a bidirectional relationship between oral health and mental health [9]. Anttila et al [10] showed that individuals with depressive symptoms were more likely to have poor oral hygiene habits and perceive a need for dental treatment.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Several recent studies have suggested an association between depression and oral health in the general population [6][7][8][9]. Intriguingly, a study by Anttila et al [10] has reported that individuals with a higher number of depressive symptoms tend to brush their teeth less frequently and visit the dentist less often than those with fewer or no symptoms.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Brushing Away the Blues: Self-Reported Oral Hygiene Practices Are Associated With Mild Depressive Symptoms in Airline Pilots

Minoretti,

Liaño Riera,

Gómez Serrano

et al. 2024

Cureus

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Introduction Airline pilots are susceptible to mental health issues, with depression prevalence ranging from 1.9% to 12.6%. Recent research in the general population indicates a potential link between depression and oral health. In this cross-sectional study, we sought to investigate the association between self-reported oral hygiene practices and depressive symptoms among airline pilots. Methods One hundred actively working male airline pilots of Caucasian descent voluntarily enrolled in the study during routine occupational health visits. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II). Self-reported oral hygiene practices, including toothbrushing frequency and mouthwash usage, were examined. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate associations between depressive symptoms and oral hygiene practices. Results Twelve pilots (12%) demonstrated mild depressive symptomatology (BDI-II scores 14-19). Pilots with mild depression reported significantly lower rates of brushing teeth twice or more per day (33.3% vs. 80.7%) and higher rates of rarely brushing (16.7% vs. 1.1%) compared to those with minimal depressive symptoms (p < 0.001). Nonuse of mouthwash was more prevalent among pilots with mild depression (66.6% vs. 23.9%, p = 0.008). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that pilots who rarely brushed their teeth (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 14.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.3−197.9; p < 0.05) or did not use mouthwash (adjusted OR = 5.7; 95% CI = 1.4−25.2; p < 0.05) had significantly higher odds of mild depressive symptoms. Conclusions Self-reported oral hygiene habits may serve as a proxy indicator for mild depressive symptoms among airline pilots. Incorporating oral health assessments into routine aeromedical examinations could provide a practical method of identifying pilots at risk for depression, supporting timely interventions and enhancing flight safety.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%