368 - Correlation Between Depression and Dental Plaque in Children Ages 8-14

Correlation Between Depression and Dental Plaque in Children Ages 8-14, Snook, JD, Nedley, MP, Na, L (University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio) 

Purpose: The purpose was to determine if there was an association between dental plaque scores and depression in children ages 8-14.  

Methods: A Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ)-Short Version was completed by 50 children. The questionnaire had 13 questions that consisted of a series of descriptive phrases regarding how the subject has been feeling or acting recently. A plaque index score was calculated by using disclosing solution on the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth.  

 


Results: Out of the 50 participants, 26 were female and 24 were male. The average age was 10.62. The following are the breakdowns for race: 48% Caucasian, 28% African American, 12% Hispanic, 10% Bi-racial, 2% Asian. Six percent of the participants reported a history of depression. After analysis from SPSS, there was no association between dental plaque and depression. A MFQ score of 12 or higher may indicate the presence of depression. The average score on the MFQ for females was 4.42 and for males it was 3.67. The mean plaque index score for females was 2.9038 and for males it was 3.2171.  
 


Conclusion: Based on the findings from this study, there is no association between dental plaque and depression. Further research is indicated.