J Periodontol. 2025 Oct 29. doi: 10.1002/jper.70014. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Periodontitis and major depression disorder have been shown to have a bidirectional association. However, the impact of antidepressants, the primary pharmacological treatment for depression, on periodontal health remains unclear. Given their anti-inflammatory properties, antidepressants may exert a protective effect against periodontitis. This study aimed to investigate the association between antidepressant use and the prevalence of periodontitis in a large, nationally representative sample of the United States (US) population.
METHODS: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2014 were analyzed. Antidepressant use was recorded using the Dietary Supplement and Prescription Medication section of the Sample Person Questionnaire. Periodontal status was assessed through full-mouth evaluations of gingival recession and probing pocket depth. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using multiple logistic regression models to evaluate the association between antidepressant use and periodontitis, adjusting for confounders.
RESULTS: Among 9839 participants, which prevalence of periodontitis was 35.3% for moderate and 11.1% for severe cases, according to American Academy of Pediatrics/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (AAP/CDC) classification, antidepressant use was associated with reduced odds of developing periodontitis across most definitions, particularly in severe cases. For advanced periodontitis (stages III-IV), the adjusted OR was 0.68 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54-0.86), and for severe periodontitis per AAP/CDC criteria, the OR was 0.41 (95% CI: 0.26-0.66).
CONCLUSION: Antidepressant use is linked to a lower prevalence of periodontitis, with a more pronounced protective effect in severe cases. These findings suggest plausible beneficial role of antidepressants on periodontitis, warranting further investigation into the underlying mechanisms.
PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Antidepressant medications are widely used to treat depression. Given their anti-inflammatory properties, their protective role on inflammatory conditions such as periodontitis deserves to be further explored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between antidepressant use and the prevalence of periodontitis in a large, nationally representative sample of the United States (US) population. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2014 were analyzed. Antidepressant use was self-recorded, and periodontal status was assessed through full-mouth dental examination. After adjusting for relevant confounding factors, the analysis revealed that individuals using antidepressants had a lower likelihood of having periodontitis, especially in its severe forms. These findings suggest that antidepressants might play a potential protective role for periodontitis, warranting further investigation into the underlying mechanisms.
PMID:41159895 | DOI:10.1002/jper.70014
Recent Comments