Oral microbiome composition, but not diversity, is associated with adolescent anxiety and depression symptoms

Abstract

Purpose: Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent disorders, whose significant burden is compounded by the presence of oral disease. Mental health disorders and oral health may be associated via changes to the oral microbiome, involving increased pro-inflammatory communication and cortisol in saliva. The present study provides the first culture-independent investigation of the oral microbiome considering depression and anxiety symptoms in adolescence, a critical age where these conditions begin to emerge and co-occur. It also investigates whether inflammation and cortisol moderate these relationships. Methods: Participants (N = 66) aged 14–18 years (69.70% female) self-reported oral healt..