Investigative advancements on the relationship between oral frailty and depression in the older population

As the aging trend intensifies, the incidence of chronic diseases among the elderly is increasing. Oral dysfunction and depression are becoming increasingly common health concerns in this demographic. Particularly, factors like as edentulism, compromised mastication, decreased lingual pressure, poor oral motor skills, and dysphagia elevate the incidence of depression among the senior demographic. Conversely, depression increases the probability of developing oral dysfunction. Moreover, oral frailty and depression are associated with comorbidities linked to malnutrition, several chronic illnesses, and periodontitis. This review examines the relationship between oral dysfunction and depression, intending to serve as a reference for their prevention and treatment in the elderly.