Oral health is increasingly recognized as integral to well-being in later life, yet its relevance to mental health remains insufficiently examined in China. Using data from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), this study examined the association between oral health and depressive symptoms among older adults and explored potential biological and social mediating mechanisms. Logistic regression models and the Karlson–Holm–Breen (KHB) method were employed. Poor oral health was significantly associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms, with stronger associations observed among the oldest-old, men, and rural residents. Mediation analyses revealed that self-rated health accounted for the largest indirect effect, while chronic disease and social participation also played meaningful mediating roles. These findings suggest that oral health may serve as a modifiable determinant of mental well-being in later life and highlight the importance of integrated interventions addressing both physical health and social dimensions among older adults.
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