Relationship between mental health, its associated factor and periodontal disease.

What is it about?

The aim of present study was to find the relationship between mental health, clinical depression, sleep quality and severity of periodontitis. It was done using clinical parameters and a depression and sleep quality rating scale. For the purpose of the study 100 patients were enrolled, of which 50 patients who were diagnosed with chronic periodontitis were categorized into cases and 50 patients who were systemically and periodontally healthy were designated as controls. The periodontal parameters recorded which included probing depth and simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S). Depression was determined using Beck’s depression scale. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used for scrutinizing sleep quality. Self‑reported scoring of depression and sleep quality by using Beck’s depression inventory and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire revealed that patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis had an appreciable elevated score of depression and poor sleep quality than normal controls. Therefore this case-control study revealed a statistically significant relationship between depression, its associated oral health behavior, sleep deprivation experienced and severity of destructive periodontal diseases.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Depression is a common illness worldwide. According to WHO approximately 280 million people in the world have depression. Since depression has an effect on both oral and physical health it is suggested that when treating periodontal patients, we should be mindful of factors other than bacterial plaque, such as mental wellbeing, sleep disorders, awareness, and approach towards oral hygiene, to improve patients’ periodontal status. Assessment of depression and associated sleep disorders may be a precious and innovative tool in diagnosis, treatment planning, and maintenance.

Perspectives