Oral Manifestations Associated With Antidepressant Use and Their Significance in Dental Practice: A Narrative Literature Review

Antidepressants are widely used in the treatment of depressive disorders; therefore, dentists increasingly encounter patients receiving such pharmacotherapy. In addition to their therapeutic benefits, these drugs may cause adverse effects that manifest within the oral cavity and influence both oral health status and the course of dental treatment. The aim of this paper was to present the current state of knowledge regarding oral manifestations associated with antidepressant use and to discuss their significance in everyday dental practice. This article is a narrative literature review based on scientific publications concerning the effects of antidepressants on oral tissues. The analysis showed that the most frequently described adverse effects are xerostomia and hyposalivation, which play an important role in the development of secondary complications, such as increased risk of dental caries, oral mucosal discomfort, and opportunistic infections. The literature also reports possible bruxism, taste disorders, and complex associations between depression, pharmacotherapy, and periodontal diseases. Available evidence indicates that oral changes usually result from the interaction of pharmacotherapy, the course of depression itself, and individual risk factors. Early identification of adverse effects, appropriate preventive care, and interdisciplinary cooperation between the dentist and the physician managing psychiatric treatment may reduce the risk of complications and improve the quality of care for patients using antidepressants.