Are maternal mental disorders associated with children's oral health? A systematic review.

ABSTRACT

Maternal mental problems may lead to a negative effect on children's oral health (COH). The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature to answer the question Are maternal mental disorders (MMD) associated with COH from zero to 12 years old? Electronic searches were performed in five databases with no language restriction. Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies were included. A total of 1183 references were identified, and seven studies were included. In relation to MMD studies investigated Common Mental Disorders (n = 2), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) (n = 2), symptoms of depression (SD) (n = 3), Alcohol-related diagnosis (n = 1), and symptoms of anxiety (n = 2). As outcome, the studies investigated dental caries (n = 5), gingivitis and periodontal diseases (n = 1), sleep bruxism (SB) (n = 1), and malocclusion (n = 1). Positive association was found between MDD and OH (SB and dental caries). There was no MMD associated with malocclusion. Alcohol-related diagnosis showed a positive association with gingivitis and periodontal diseases and no association with dental caries; anxiety had a positive association with dental caries and no association with SB. The heterogeneity of the data precluded precise conclusions to be drawn, but MMD may have influence on COH.