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+--- Thread: Research Depression linked to a less diverse oral microbiome (/thread-18192.html)
Depression linked to a less diverse oral microbiome - C C - Jun 15, 2025
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1087204
EXCERPT: The researchers found that people with less diversity in their oral microbiomes were more likely to have symptoms of depression. Additional analyses showed that smoking, drinking, and dental care—all of which can change the makeup of bacteria in the mouth—influenced the relationship between the oral microbiome and depression.
These findings suggest that, with more research, the oral microbiome could potentially be used to diagnose or treat depression. However, based on this study, it’s not clear whether the diversity of microbes in the mouth influences depression or if depression leads to changes in the oral microbiome—or if there’s a bidirectional relationship between the two.
“It’s possible that the oral microbiome influences depressive symptoms through inflammation or changes to the immune system. Conversely, depression can drive changes including dietary intake, poor oral hygiene, increased smoking and drinking, or the use of medications—all of which have the potential to alter the oral microbiome,” said Wu. “We need more research to understand the direction and underlying pathways of this relationship.”
“This work is part of a broader effort to understand how the oral microbiome influences not only mental health, but also cognitive decline and the onset of dementia,” she added... (MORE - missing details)
RE: Depression linked to a less diverse oral microbiome - Magical Realist - Jun 16, 2025
Or maybe people who are depressed don't brush their teeth as often as they should..Occam's razor?
RE: Depression linked to a less diverse oral microbiome - Syne - Jun 16, 2025
They already said that.
(Jun 15, 2025 09:29 PM)C C Wrote: Conversely, depression can drive changes including dietary intake, poor oral hygiene, increased smoking and drinking, or the use of medications—all of which have the potential to alter the oral microbiome,” said Wu.