Exploring the link between major depression and gum disease

Relationship Between Major Depression and Periodontal Diseases: Analytical Cross-sectional Study

Observational Universidad Complutense de Madrid · NCT05950009

This study looks at whether people with major depression have more gum disease than those without depression to see how oral health might affect mental health.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment122 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversidad Complutense de Madrid Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Madrid and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05950009 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the relationship between major depressive disorder and periodontal diseases, specifically periodontitis. It will involve a cross-sectional analysis comparing two groups: individuals with moderate to severe major depression and a control group without mental health issues. The study will assess the prevalence of periodontal diseases in both groups and explore associations with oral and gut microbiomes, inflammatory markers, and intestinal barrier integrity. The goal is to deepen the understanding of how periodontal health may influence mental health outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with moderate to severe major depression or those without any mental health pathologies.

Not a fit: Patients with diabetes, chronic conditions, or other significant mental health disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into the interplay between mental health and oral health, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies for patients with major depression.

How similar studies have performed: While there is existing epidemiological evidence suggesting a link between depression and periodontal disease, this specific approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in human populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age greater or equal to 18 years.
* For the case group (MD patients), subjects with moderate or severe major depression, without severe suicide ideation, as characterized by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 index (values of 9 or greater) and by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 - (SCID) will be selected.
* For the control group, subjects without mental health pathologies identified by SCID, who present an PHQ-9 index of 5 or below will be included as controls.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
* Diabetes mellitus.
* Chronic conditions: HIV infection, chronic intake of NSAIDs.
* Comorbidity with other mental disorders: eating disorders, borderline personality disorders, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia and related disorders, and/or any mental serious disease other than major depression.
* Severe suicide ideation.
* Patients who had received periodontal treatment for periodontitis in the last year.
* Presence of necrotizing periodontal diseases.
* Presence of less than three teeth per quadrant.
* Antibiotic use in the last 6 months prior to the study.

Where this trial is running

Madrid and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Major Depressive DisorderPeriodontitis
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.