Interwoven strands: the complex connection between diabetes, depression, and periodontal disease

Swati Bhatnagar; Abhishek Bhatnagar; Sangeeta Umesh Nayak; Keshava Pai Kota; Sushmita Tiwari; David Kadakampally

Swati Bhatnagar Department of Periodontology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5173-5273
Abhishek Bhatnagar Department of Medicine, Armed Forced Medical College, Pune, India https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4283-9978
Sangeeta Umesh Nayak Department of Periodontology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5980-2698
Keshava Pai Kota Department of Psychiatry, Kasturba Medical College Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
Sushmita Tiwari Department of Periodontology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
David Kadakampally Department of Periodontology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India

Keywords: periodontal disease, diabetes mellitus, depression, oro systemic link, oral health

Abstract

Maintaining good oral health throughout life is essential for overall wellbeing, as it is frequently seen as a mirror of general health. Beyond comfort and appearance, dental health is important because it is inextricably related to overall health and quality of life. Even with improvements in dental care, oral health issues are still common worldwide, with dental caries and periodontal diseases being the most common. Growing research indicates that oral infections, especially periodontal disease, might worsen systemic inflammation, which in turn supports the etiopathogenesis of a number of chronic diseases. A complex relationship between mental health issues, especially depression, and dental health conditions is suggested by emerging studies. The chronic inflammation associated with periodontal disease is one potential mechanism linking these conditions. This underscores the importance of considering oral health within a holistic framework of overall health management. A commitment to good oral hygiene, which includes brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups, is crucial for preventing oral disorders as well as lowering the chance of related systemic conditions as per their interconnection. Including dental health in primary care is essential for holistic health management, especially for those with chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other systemic illness.