Is There a Connection Between Bacteria in the Mouth and Depression?

The onset of Depression has been linked to many areas, such as genetics, trauma, social issues, and other factors.

However, new research suggests that another, unexpected factor, could be linked to depression. This is the bacteria in our mouth [1].

With depression impacting millions of people around the world, this research is useful as it provides more insights to scientists.

Background

The research involved a team examining the oral microbiome. The oral microbiome is the large community of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in our mouth.

An abundance of unhealthy bacteria in the mouth can result in the development of oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease.

The research itself was compiled by a team from New York University’s Rory Meyers College of Nursing [1].

The Research

The researchers wanted to analyse the bacteria in the human mouth to gain an understanding of a potential connection between the oral microbiome and depression.

To enable them to find this out, the researchers used data from a survey carried out by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – better known as the CDC [1].

This resulted in 15,018 participants in the study. These were all adults in the US who were aged 18 and above [1].

These participants were asked to complete the well-known and validated PHQ-9 questionnaire. This is a tool commonly used when diagnosing and monitoring depression.

Then, the participants provided a saliva sample. The researchers were able to analyse the saliva and see if there were any consistencies among those displayed more symptoms of depression [1].

The research team used gene sequencing as the method of identifying any microbes in the saliva samples. They could then carry out further analysis.

What did the results show?

The results proved interesting. The researchers found that participants with less diversity in their oral microbiome displayed more symptoms of depression.

Therefore, in practice this means that a wider array of bacteria in the mouth is associated less with depression.

A wider range of bacteria usually indicates unhealthy bacteria being present in the mouth. So those who may have a poorer diet or bad oral health appear to be at a higher risk.

As a result, it is recommended that oral health is an important area for us all. This is especially the case for those with depression.

A healthier mouth appears to be linked to healthier mental health. Therefore, it is very important to look after your teeth!

It is difficult though, as many people turn to food or drink as a way of coping with difficult emotional feelings. This can turn into a cycle that is tough to escape from.

Summary

The research shows a connection between oral and mental health. It is easy to neglect oral health when you are struggling with your mental health, but try not to!

The researchers did caution that further research would be needed to verify these findings. But the initial findings suggest that a connection does exist.

The findings were published in a journal article in the BMC Oral Health Journal [1]

See Also

• Depression: Everything You Need To Know
• What Are The Causes of Depression?
• What Impact Does Ozempic (Semaglutide) Have on Mental Health?
• Study Suggests Oral Health Impacts Mental Health of Pregnant Women