Frontiers in oral health
Mapping the evidence on oral behaviors and mental health: a scoping review with implications for integrated oral healthcare
By De Nordenflycht D, Curtze G, Antúnez C and 3 others.
Abstract
Objective
To map and characterize the available evidence on the associations between oral behaviors and psychological factors by identifying the psychological constructs investigated and describing the range and patterns of these associations across different oral behaviors.
Method
Electronic searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus (November 2024; updated August 2025), using controlled vocabulary and terms related to oral behaviors and psychological factors. Studies published in the last 10 years assessing oral behaviors and psychological factors were eligible. Study selection followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, with two independent reviewers screening titles, abstracts, and full-texts. Full-text articles were obtained from the records after applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, and findings were synthesized narratively, focusing on methodological characteristics, diagnostic assessment, and reported associations.