Depression and caries in adolescents: role of social inequities and sugar consumption

TL;DR

The study finds that tooth decay and depression in teens are linked through shared risk factors like low socioeconomic status and high sugar consumption.

Contribution

The study identifies shared risk factors linking dental caries and depression in adolescents, emphasizing socioeconomic and dietary influences.

Findings

Lower socioeconomic status is associated with higher sugar consumption and increased depression in adolescents.

Sugar consumption directly affects both depression and dental caries (DMFT index).

Dental caries and depression are correlated in adolescents.

Abstract

Caries and depression are prevalent non-communicable diseases among adolescents that may share common risk factors. This study investigated the correlation between dental caries and depression in adolescents, analyzing pathways triggered by low socioeconomic status and higher sugar consumption.

This population-based sample with a cross-sectional design using data from the birth cohort at the follow-up at 18 to 19 years (n = 2515). Low Socioeconomic Status was treated as a latent variable, and sugar consumption was measured in grams (< 25 g/day). Caries diagnosis was assessed using the DMFT index, and depression using the M.I.N.I. questionnaire. The theoretical model explored caries and depression as outcomes, as well as the explanatory variables: socioeconomic status and added sugar consumption.

Lower socioeconomic status was associated with higher sugar consumption (CP = 0.05; p < 0.001) and depression (CP = 0.088; p = 0.013). Sugar consumption had a direct effect on depression (CP = 0.075; p = 0.024) and the DFMT index (CP = 0.049; p = 0.016). The DMFT and depression were correlated (CP = 0.068; p = 0.041).

Our findings suggest an association between tooth decay and depression in adolescents, driven by shared risk factors such as lower socioeconomic status and increased sugar consumption. Implementing early intervention strategies targeting these shared risk factors is essential for mitigating the burden of chronic diseases.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00784-025-06738-y.

Figures