Going to the dentist twice a year is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, but did you know that a dental check-up can also help with your mental health? There is a link between oral and mental health, according to psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD. Poor dental health can decrease the quality of your life and exacerbate mental health issues, causing social anxiety, withdrawal, and low self-esteem. Conversely, mental health can affect dental health, leading to a decline in oral hygiene. Teeth and gums can reveal stress levels, anxiety, mood, and eating problems.
A meta-analysis of 25 studies found that people with severe mental health disorders are 2.8 times more likely to have lost their teeth than the general population, often because of untreated health conditions or difficulty accessing dental care. Eating, drinking, and smoking heavily to self-soothe, resulting in adverse health effects, can affect oral health as well.
Did you know your dental health can provide clues to potential mental health issues?
For example, depression and anxiety can lead to grinding teeth at night, jaw pain, and worn enamel. People struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, or eating disorders may also have worn enamel.
Another concern, when addressing dental hygiene is that many people suffer from fear and anxiety about going to their dentist. If, as a result of their fears, they avoid their appointments regularly, it could cause damage to their oral health in the long term.
Tips for preventative care:
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- Consuming a highly nutritious diet can benefit both oral and mental health.
- Side effects of certain medications, like dry mouth, tend to reduce saliva and lead to tooth and gum problems. Keeping an eye on symptoms of dental problems, such as bleeding gums, jaw aches, sensitivity to temperatures, and dry mouth, is crucial.
- Practicing stress reduction activities like deep breathing and meditation can help reduce anxiety and stress levels.
Seeing a dentist regularly is essential. Dentists can detect when other things are happening in your life and may be the first professionals to identify and diagnose a mental health issue. Dental and mental health are interconnected, and taking care of one can benefit the other.