Dental and periodontal outcomes in patients under antidepressant therapy: a retrospective study

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the impact of antidepressant medication on periodontal health and oral conditions, particularly focusing on tooth loss, the presence of dental implants, and disease severity, by comparing patients receiving antidepressant therapy with non-users. Clinical and radiographic records of patients treated at a university dental clinic between 2015 and 2022 were examined. Participants [678 patients (353 females and 325 males)] were divided into two groups: test group (antidepressant users [ n = 339)] and control group [non-users ( n = 339)]. Periodontal status was assessed based on standard clinical criteria, and data regarding missing teeth, decayed and filled teeth, and the number of patients with or without dental implants were recorded. Patients using antidepressants exhibited a significantly higher mean number of missing teeth compared with the control group (7.78 ± 5.46 vs. 5.36 ± 3.97; p < 0.001), while the control group had a significantly greater mean number of teeth (24.11 ± 4.33 vs. 22.11 ± 5.80; p < 0.001). However, no substantial differences were observed between groups in terms of periodontal disease severity ( p = 0.173), decayed or filled teeth ( p > 0.05), or the number of patients with or without dental implants ( p = 0.345). Antidepressant use appeared to be more strongly associated with tooth loss rather than with the progression of periodontal disease. Within the limitations of this retrospective study, antidepressant medications were linked to an increased prevalence of tooth loss but did not show a significant impact on periodontal disease severity. These findings emphasize the importance of regular dental monitoring for patients undergoing long-term antidepressant therapy. Further longitudinal studies are required to clarify the relationship between antidepressant use, systemic conditions, and oral health outcomes, and to guide preventive and therapeutic strategies.