THE IMPACT OF DEPRESSION ON OBJECTIVE AND SUBJECTIVE ORAL HEALTH INDICATORS IN OLDER INDIVIDUALS
2024
The Impact of Depression on Oral Health in Older Adults
Sample size: 3324
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Choi Boyun, Jung Bock-Young
Primary Institution: Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Hypothesis
How do objective and subjective oral health factors differ based on depression diagnosis in individuals aged 65 and older?
Conclusion
Depression significantly affects subjective oral health factors, but not objective ones, in older individuals.
Supporting Evidence
- Depression was associated with recent tooth pain (p = 0.0022).
- Depression was linked to chewing discomfort (p < 0.0001).
- Depression correlated with self-perceived poor oral health (p = 0.0136).
- No significant differences were found in the number of natural teeth between depressed and non-depressed groups.
Takeaway
Older people who are depressed may feel more pain and discomfort in their mouths, even if their actual dental health is the same as those who are not depressed.
Methodology
The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey and compared oral health factors in patients with and without depression.
Participant Demographics
Individuals aged 65 and older.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0022
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website