Depression and Untreated Dental Caries Among the Azar Cohort Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Dental caries and depression are prevalent worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between depression, the intake of anti-depressive medication, and the presence of untreated decayed teeth (DT) in the Azar cohort population.

Methods

This cross-sectional study utilised data obtained from the Azar cohort study. The Azar cohort began in 2014 in Shabestar, northwest of Iran, encompassing 15,006 adults aged 35 to 70. Most of the data were collected through questionnaires and oral examinations. In the present study, individuals diagnosed with depression from the Azar Cohort were assessed with respect to the number of untreated DT. The participants were divided into three groups: individuals with depressive disorder who were using medication; individuals with depressive disorder who were not using medication; and a comparison group. The comparison group was selected from non-depressed participants of the Azar Cohort, a group matched by age and gender. Individuals with complete dentures were excluded. Modifiers were adjusted for using regression analysis

Results

Data for 1369 individuals in the depression group and 2813 individuals in the comparison group were analysed. The overall mean (SD) for DT was 2.5 ± 3.3. The regression models indicated a significant relationship between DT and depression (P < .001). Additionally, there was a significant positive relationship between DT and not receiving medication in the depressed group (P < .001).

Conclusion

A higher prevalence of DT was observed among individuals with depression, especially those not receiving medication. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted oral health promotion initiatives specifically tailored to individuals suffering from depression.