Gender differences in periodontal status of depressive and non-depressive individuals

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the gender-related differences in the relationship between periodontal diseases and depression in male and female adults. Methodology: 171 females with periodontal disease (71 subjects with gingivitis and 100 subjects with periodontitis) and 168 males with periodontal disease (72 subjects with gingivitis and 96 subjects with periodontitis) were included in the study. Clinic periodontal parameters (probing pocket depth, gingival index, plaque index, and bleeding on probing) were used in the periodontal examination. Depressive symptoms were determined by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). According to BDI scores, 150 depressed subjects (77 females and 73 males) and 189 non-depressed subjects (94 females and 95 males) were present. Results: There were similar BDI scores observed in female and male participants. All periodontal parameters were higher in males than females. While plaque index and gingival index were higher in depressed females than non-depressed females, probing depth was similar in female subgroups. Besides, all periodontal parameters were similar in male subgroups. When the relationship between periodontal status and depression scores in women was evaluated, women with periodontitis had higher BDI scores than women with gingivitis. In male subjects, there was no difference in BDI scores in individuals with periodontitis and/or gingivitis. Conclusion: It can be said that depression is a risk factor that negatively affects periodontal status for females, who were more vulnerable to stress and pain than males. How to cite this article: Uçan Yarkaç F, Göktürk Ö. Gender differences in periodontal status of depressive and non-depressive individuals. Int Dent Res 2023;13(1):1-6. https://doi.org/10.5577/idr.2023.vol13.no1.1 Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.