Association between periodontal status and mental health in postpartum women: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The postpartum period is marked by significant biological, social, and emotional changes that may affect maternal self-care, including oral health maintenance. This study explores the impact of periodontal inflammatory status on mental health status in postpartum women. METHOD AND MATERIALS: In this cross-sectional study, postpartum mothers were recruited within 6 weeks to 6 months after delivery. Clinical periodontal parameters and sociodemographic variables were measured and mental health was assessed using standard 38 items Mental Health Inventory. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between periodontal parameters and Mental Health Index(MHI) scores. Mediation analysis explored potential mediators affecting the association. RESULTS: 128 mothers were recruited in the study. The study population was stratified into three categories according to the quartiles of the mean MHI scores. A statistically significant difference was seen in the periodontal parameters among the three groups(p<0.05). After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, Bleeding on probing (BOP) (β = -0.437) and Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL) (β = -0.470) remain the only statistically significant predictors of MHI. Both are negatively associated with MHI, indicating poorer mental health with worsening periodontal condition. Bleeding on probing significantly mediated the relationships between education, occupation, socioeconomic status, family characteristics, and mental health, accounting for approximately 70-90% of the total effect. CONCLUSION: Periodontal inflammation has been identified as a mediating factor in the relationship between sociodemographic factors and mental health status during the postpartum period.