Work

English Longitudinal Study of Ageing: Associations Between Common Mental Disorder and Oral Health

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: AIM: To assess the relationship between common mental disorder and oral health in a representative sample of older adults in England. METHODS: We analyzed cross-sectional data from 8620 individuals aged 50 years and over who participated in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, wave 3 (2006-2007). Common mental disorder (no/yes) was assessed using the 12-Item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Oral health outcomes were oral impact on daily performance (no impacts/at least one impact), self-rated oral health (excellent; very good; good/fair; poor), and edentulousness (dentate/edentate). Associations were assessed using Poisson regression with robust variance, controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and health factors. RESULTS: Reporting at least one oral impact on daily performance was more prevalent among those with a common mental disorder than those without (PR = 1.60; 95% CI 1.32-1.96), as was reporting fair/poor self-rated oral health (PR = 1.23; 95% CI 1.09-1.40) in fully adjusted analyses. We found no association between common mental disorder and edentulousness. CONCLUSION: In this sample of UK older adults, common mental disorder was associated with poorer oral health. To promote healthy ageing, older adults with a common mental disorder should be supported to maintain good oral health.

Source: Oral Diseases

DOI: 10.1111/odi.70124

Authors: Afshan Mirza, Richard G. Watt, Anja Heilmann

Institution: University College London

Language: English

Topic: Dental Health and Care Utilization

Subfield: Periodontics

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,990