Anxiety, Depression Associated With Tooth Loss, Gum Disease

A study presented at a national dental meeting provides evidence that tooth and gum diseases, as well as other biosocial conditions, are closely associated with depression and anxiety. The study analyzed data on depression, anxiety and tooth loss collected in a 2010 telephone survey of 451,000 people aged 19 or older. Of the 76,292 eligible participants, 13.4 percent reported anxiety, 16.7 percent reported depression, and 5.7 percent reported total tooth loss. Careful cross-analysis found that people with dental anxiety often avoid dental care, while people who are depressed neglect their health, including dental health.