Modelling analysis of dietary behaviors and oral health status to assess the impact on the mental well-being of elderly individuals: a cross-sectional survey study

Hong Zhang ¹ Xingyan Wang ² Honglin Dai ² Zhiqiong Gou ³ Feiyang Chenwu ² Yanqiu Jiang ² Jie Wan ² Yurun Guo ² Xiao Wei ² Chan Huang ² Mingzhu Song ^2*

• ¹ West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
• ² Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
• ³ West China Tianfu Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China

Objective:This study investigates the influence of oral health and eating behaviors on depression, anxiety, and dementia in elderly individuals aged 65 and older in China. The aim is to determine the effect sizes of these factors and establish a foundation for implementing tailored intervention strategies.Results:Our findings showed that about 7.62% of middle-aged and elderly individuals in China were prone to depression. Meanwhile, around 49% of this population had inadequate teeth to chew and digest properly, and nearly 10% lacked dental restorations. Elderly individuals who had dental surgery had a 50% lower risk of depression compared to those who did not (OR = 0.58). Additionally, 36.7% of this group were prone to anxiety, and 7.53% were at risk of developing dementia. Elderly individuals who brushed their teeth at least twice a day and maintained oral hygiene were less likely to develop anxiety and dementia, with odds ratios of 0.72 and 0.78, respectively. This study conducted in China revealed that among individuals aged 65 and older, 22% reported experiencing tooth pain, while 11% reported experiencing cheek or jaw pain. Controlling tooth, cheek, or jaw pain significantly diminishes the likelihood of anxiety in elderly population, with odds ratios of 0.79 and 0.69, respectively. The study also uncovered that consuming an adequate amount of fresh vegetables on a daily basis is highly advantageous in preserving the mental well-being of elderly individuals, and may reduce the risk of depression by 32.5%, anxiety by 50.3%, and dementia by 50%. Elderly individuals can potentially prevent anxiety and dementia by consuming an adequate amount of fruits daily. Conversely, a diet high in salt and spice was potentially associated with an increased risk of anxiety in this population. Furthermore, middle-aged elderly individuals exhibit a potentially higher susceptibility to anxiety compared to older elderly individuals.Conclusion:An immediate imperative exists to enhance oral health education, elevate oral hygiene standards, and guarantee prompt dental restoration among middle-aged and elderly populations in order to mitigate their susceptibility to depression, anxiety, and dementia. Safeguarding the mental health of elderly individuals necessitates the coordination of diverse disciplines, encompassing dentistry, nutrition, and public health expertise.