Biopsychosocial Pathways Linking Depression and Oral Health: A Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2026.92.72462Keywords
Depressive Disorder, Major, Periodontal Diseases, Oral Health;, Neuroinflammation, Integrated CareAbstract
Background. Despite their high global prevalence, depression and oral diseases are rarely addressed within a unified clinical framework. Recent evidence highlights a bidirectional relationship with overlapping biological and behavioral underpinnings.Aim. This review consolidates current knowledge on the mutual influence of depression and oral health and explores the underlying mechanisms.Methods. A structured search of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library identified systematic reviews, meta-analyses, observational, and mechanistic studies published between 2016 and 2025.Results. Depression is consistently linked to caries, periodontitis, tooth loss, and xerostomia, while periodontal inflammation may contribute to depressive symptomatology. Underlying mechanisms span neuroendocrine, immune, microbial, behavioral, pharmacological, and psychosocial domains. Conclusions. Recognizing depression and oral disease as mutually reinforcing conditions supports the case for integrated, interdisciplinary care models that incorporate routine cross-screening.
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