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Submitted
15 September 2025
Accepted
4 December 2025
Published
30 December 2025
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Abstract

Background: Oral diseases remain among the most common non-communicable conditions worldwide, imposing a significant public health and economic burden. Emerging evidence suggests an association between depressive symptoms and adverse oral health outcomes. However, data from Saudi Arabia are limited. Objectives: The study aims to assess the relationship between depression symptoms and oral health outcomes among adults in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between June and August 2020, with 655 adult participants. Data included sociodemographics, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to screen for depressive symptoms, and self-reported oral health outcomes. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using SAS (SAS OnDemand for Academics). Results: Of 655 participants, 146 (22.3%) reported depression symptoms. After adjusting for sociodemographic variables and chronic disease indicators, depressive symptoms were significantly associated with fair/poor oral health (aOR = 2.97 [1.97–4.48]), oral aches (aOR = 2.08 [1.39–3.12]), dental caries (aOR = 1.75 [1.17–2.61]), and periodontal disease (aOR = 1.82 [1.20–2.76]) compared with those with no depression (p-value < 0.05). Participants with depressive symptoms were more likely to feel embarrassed about their oral health (aOR = 3.62 [2.41–5.46]) and to report difficulty at work or school (aOR = 3.06 [1.63–5.72]). Limited access to dental care within the past year was also significantly associated with depressive symptoms (aOR = 1.99 [0.34–2.96]; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and chronic disease indicators, depression symptoms are associated with poor/fair oral health, mouth ache, and dental caries. These findings highlight the need for integrated oral and mental health interventions and improved access to preventive dental services.

Keywords

oral health dental caries periodontal disease oral hygiene behavior depression symptoms

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Almohaimeed, B. (2025). Dental Health and Oral Hygiene Behaviors Among Adults with Depression Symptoms in Saudi Arabia. Journal of Contemporary Dental Sciences, 2(4), 31–40. Retrieved from https://jcds.qu.edu.sa/index.php/JCDS/article/view/2403
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