An inarguable connection exists between dental health and mental health. Having healthy teeth and gums and following good oral hygiene practices can improve our mental and overall well-being. Meanwhile, having poor oral health may cause or worsen mental illnesses, leading to cavities, gingivitis, bad breath, and other dental problems.
Here at Cunning Dental Group, our dentists aim to educate, spread awareness, and address oral problems every day. However, in this particular article, we will be focusing on an issue that many patients and members of the public remain unaware of: the link between oral health and mental health.
The Relationship Between Oral and Mental Health
The medical and scientific community considers the association between overall health and mental health a vicious cycle; patients with mental health concerns are less likely to take proper care of their oral and overall physical health. Poor physical health impairs emotional and mental well-being, which are often consequences of becoming deprived of nutrition, exercise, and other essentials for maintaining good mental health. Furthermore, neglecting one's physical health is harmful to self-image, self-esteem, and self-love — all of which can cause poor mental wellness.
Let us explore this direct, cyclical, and detrimental relationship further below.
How Does Poor Mental Health Cause Poor Dental Health?
Although studies on the connection between dental health and mental well-being are somewhat new and limited, many researchers have already identified the effects of mental health issues on oral wellness. These include:
Stress has profound psychological effects on oral health. For example, when the adrenal gland produces too much of the stress hormone called cortisone, the immune system is weakened, making it easier for bacteria to cause gum inflammation.
Depression is linked to higher alcohol abuse, tobacco, and caffeine, which can lead to tooth erosion and dental decay. According to the American Dental Association, alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine could trigger or aggravate bruxism.
Those who suffer from depression tend to neglect the importance of self-care, including proper tooth brushing and flossing, which are crucial to preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
A study revealed that more than 60 percent of people experience dental phobia or anxiety, which prevents people in need of dental services from visiting an Irvine dentist. Making biannual trips to a local dentist is essential to preventing the onset of oral health problems and overcoming dental fears and anxieties.
Some antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and mood stabilizers can cause an oral condition called dry mouth or xerostomia, causing food and beverage particles to remain on teeth.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a serious psychological illness that may cause some patients to over-brush and over-floss, leading to gum recession, dental abrasion, gingival lacerations, and mucosal lacerations.
Acids from frequent vomiting due to an eating disorder make patients more susceptible to tooth decay.
The findings above support the irrefutable association between oral and mental health. Further strengthening the claim, recent data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) revealed that approximately two-thirds of people with depression reported having a toothache. Half of all people suffering from depression also rated the condition of their teeth as fair or poor.
How Does Poor Oral Health Cause Poor Mental Health?
The connection also goes the other way around. For instance:
Malocclusions affect speech, which can lower self-esteem and exacerbate social anxiety issues. Bad breath, missing teeth, receding gums, and other dental problems may impact a person's self-image and prevent them from smiling with confidence.
People who struggle with mental disorders are 2.8 times more likely to have lost most or all of their teeth. This loss has serious implications on the patient's physical appearance, self-esteem, and overall self-perception.
Those battling mental illnesses have significantly higher statistical rates of dental caries and missing teeth, contributing to negative self-perception.
Oral Health Care Tips for People with Mental Health Problems
Even people fortunate enough to live life with a healthy mental state have days when brushing and flossing are the last things they want to do. For people who struggle with mental illnesses, especially depression, maintaining an oral care routine could be twice, thrice, or even four times as challenging. However, the bottom line is that everyone must observe oral hygiene.
A top dentist in Southern California advises all patients to brush after every meal and floss at least once a day. For those who have problems remembering to brush and floss, it may be helpful to set an alarm or reminder. The same recommendation applies to people who have difficulty remembering their dental appointments. After all, good oral hygiene and frequent dental checks are essential for better mental, oral, and overall health.
For people with dental phobia or anxiety, Cunning Dental Group is a leading sedation dentistry provider in Montclair and Irvine, CA. The popular dental service helps patients relax during root canal therapy, a complete smile makeover, or simple teeth cleaning procedure.
Takeaway
The connection between mental health and oral care is cyclical, typically involving inflammation of the gums, tooth decay, constant pain, and an unattractive smile that leads to poor self-image, depression, and anxiety issues.
The good news is that when depression and anxiety take a toll on oral health, there are several ways to fight back. Aside from brushing and flossing daily, frequent dental visitations bring new hope if you suffer from dental problems due to mental health issues and vice versa.
Brighten Your Days With a Beautiful Smile
Though the link between mental health and oral health requires more in-depth research, there is an established connection between the two areas of health and wellness. The dental specialists here at Cunning Dental Group seek to pay special attention to this link and consider the mental wellness of our patients as we address their dental concerns.
If your smile is causing or exacerbating your mental health issues, call us at (855) 328-6646 or complete this online contact form to schedule an appointment. Rest assured that our services can help you achieve the celebrity smile you've always wanted.
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