Relationship between psychological distress with self-rated oral health and dental caries status among dental patients

Background: The present study aimed to determine relationship between psychological distress with self-rated oral health and dental caries status among dental patients.Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was designed to explore the relationship between psychological distress using Kessler Psychological Distress (K6) Scale with self-rated oral health and dental caries among dental patients in Hyderabad city. Clinical examination was done using Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST) index. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.Results: Subjects aged over 32 years and females had higher mean scores of psychological distress (6.64 +/- 3.90 and 5.90 +/- 3.80, respectively). The overall prevalence of caries was 69.1%. Moderate psychological distress remained significantly associated with higher odds of poor self-rated oral health (OR = 1.33). The presence of dental caries, combined with moderate psychological distress, also increased the odds of poor self-rated oral health (OR = 1.18, OR = 1.76). Furthermore, subjects aged under 32 years and males had higher odds of poor self-rated oral health (OR = 2.07, OR = 2.15) (P < 0.05) (Model 3).Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study indicated that individuals with moderate psychological distress had an increased likelihood of reporting poor self-rated oral health and higher odds of dental caries. Additionally, subjects who were younger than 32 years and males had higher odds of poor self-rated oral health.