Depression can cause Tooth Loss: Study

Tooth loss generally occurs in individuals suffering from depression and dental phobia, according to a study.

 A research led by R. Constance Wiener from West Virginia University in Morgantown found that dental cavities and periodontal disorders are a result of depression and anxiety in individuals, making them inattentive toward oral hygiene. Experts reviewed data from a telephone survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2010 called the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Survey, involving 451,075 participants aged 19 and above. They used chi theory and logistic regression to scan frequency, statistic and probabilities of tooth loss resulting from depression and anxiety.

Of the total participants, the study identified 76,292 eligible subjects. Nearly, 13.4 percent of them suffered anxiety, 16.7 percent had depression and 5.7 percent reportedly had tooth loss.

The chi-square analysis also revealed that "depression, anxiety, and a combined category of depression or anxiety" among participants with tooth loss were "significantly different from those without the condition."

The authors believe that many bio-psychosocial factors like race, origin, economic status and mental health conditions can cause tooth decay and loss. People suffering from dental anxiety or phobia avoid routine dental check-ups and procedures while those suffering from depression pay less attention to self-care leading to cavities, gum diseases and early tooth loss.

The estimates by the CDC suggest 19 percent of the children who are aged between two and 19 have untreated cavities. About one in 10 U.S adults suffers from depression. According to the agency's report, individuals meeting the criteria for major depression are people mostly aged between 45 and 64, from Hispanic and multiple races, unemployed, poorly educated and uninsured.

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