Association of Psychological Health and Perceived Oral Health in Elderly Individuals: Focusing on Depression, Stress, and Suicidal Ideation

The present study aimed to examine the influence of mental health factors on oral health factors using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). A total of 1,548 elderly individuals aged over 65 years who completed the screening and health questionnaire were selected as the final study participants. The psychological health factors related to perceived oral health status were depression and stress when the gender was controlled, and in terms of gender, both elderly male and female individuals were stressed and depressed. These results suggested that the psychological health of elderly individuals negatively affects not only perceived oral health but also the quality of life. In addition, the psychological health of the elderly individuals should be systematically managed along with oral health care and overall health care and lifestyle. If a comprehensive health management system is available for low-income groups or an elderly person living alone, it should positively affect and improve the quality of life of elderly individuals.