Longitudinal Association Between Oral Status and Depressive Symptoms Among Chinese Older Adults — China, 2014–2018

Abstract

What is already known about this topic? Previous studies on the importance of oral health in later life have mainly focused on nutritional and physical health indicators, while the effects of oral status on the mental health of older people, especially on depression, need to be further explored. What is added by this report? Longitudinal results show tooth loss was positively associated with depressive symptoms among older adults in the mainland of China, while denture use was associated with a decreased risk of depression. Effect modification by denture use was observed (P for interaction <0.001). What are the implications for public health practice? Measures should be taken to help Chinese older adults promote oral health and strengthen the care of dentures by expanding basic health insurance coverage to include dental prosthodontics or providing affordable dental insurance for seniors.