Xi’an, China: A growing body of evidence suggests that alterations in the gut microbiota play an important role in the development of anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric disorders. However, little research has been done on how the oral microbiome influences mental health. To change this, researchers from Xi’an Jiaotong University conducted a case-control study on the topic and found an association between certain oral bacteria and the development of depression and anxiety.
According to the World Health Organization, anxiety disorders and depression are prevalent mental illnesses, with approximately 264 million people suffering from the former and 322 million suffering from the latter worldwide. The prevalence of these mental disorders is high, and their negative effects are of great concern, the study authors said.
Researchers sought to assess the relationship between the salivary and dorsal tongue microbiomes and anxiety and depression. To this end, they used up-to-date summary data from genome-wide association studies of the oral microbiome to compare the proportions of participants with depression and anxiety to controls regarding their salivary and dorsal tongue microbiomes. A large UK Biobank cohort was analyzed for individual genetic predisposition.
The team identified a key interaction between the salivary and dorsal tongue microbiomes and anxiety and depression.They found oral bacteria such as centipede periodontal disease, Granulicatella When Eggertia Both are associated with mental illness.
There are several possible mechanisms for the association between poor oral health and psychiatric disorders. Gum disease affects the gums and periodontal tissue, and bacteria are known to enter the bloodstream through damage to the gums, and also to the brain when the blood-brain barrier is weakened. Periodontal disease can also indirectly affect the central nervous system, depending on the messenger substances that
The exact mechanisms by which these conditions occur and possible preventive measures such as dental care (prevention of periodontal disease), oral hygiene and nutritional strategies need to be further investigated.
“This study highlights the need for more research on the potential role of the oral microbiome in mental health disorders, improving our understanding of disease etiology and potentially leading to new diagnostic targets and early intervention strategies.” ‘” concluded the study authors.
The study, titled “Genetic association study reveals relationship between oral microbiome and symptoms of anxiety and depression,” was published online Nov. 10, 2022. The forefront of psychiatry.
