The body works as one unit, although many subunits or systems are working independently and ultimately together to achieve homeostasis or the state of a stable internal environment. Mental health doesn’t get much of the spotlight, but could there be more than is known? Precisely when it comes to oral health, is there a connection?
Healthy living is a sum of how various parts and systems of the body work together within a stable environment. That includes dental and oral health. But could there be ways they are directly linked? There’s current research ongoing on this subject matter. Kindly read on to learn what recent evidence says.
Research has established a direct connection between mental health and dental care. Beyond that, poor dental care has proven links to mental illness, dementia, diabetes, among other chronic diseases. In a study conducted by the National Health and Nutrition Examination department between 2015 and 2016, It was discovered that 67 percent of people diagnosed with depression also suffered from toothaches.
There is a clear link between poor dental hygiene and mental health issues. As a result, everyone should practice appropriate dental hygiene in order to safeguard their mental health.
Poor oral health presenting with persistent pain and inflammation in the mouth can easily lead to further anxiety, depression, and poor self-esteem. The standard recommendation is twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and at least once flossing. Combining this with a reduced sugar intake is the best way to have a healthy mouth and enables people to find eating, speaking, and socializing without pain, discomfort or embarrassment. However, in people experiencing severe depression or substance abuse, their poor diet and irregular routines can result in them missing or downplaying the warning signs of cavities forming and leading to further illness and infection.
People who have mental illness tend to have the associated dental problems:
Poor brushing: People with bipolar disorder or similar disorders tend to brush their teeth vigorously and harshly, which often eats away the enamel. That then causes pain, causing them to their teeth poorly. Bipolar patients who are on lithium also have a higher rate of xerostomia and stomatitis.
Eating disorder: Patients who have Bulimia get to experience dental erosion due to vomit acidity. They also have lower calcium levels, which affects how they eat.
Anxiety: Most people experience dental phobia, and as a result, they fear visiting the dentist. Without dental visits, one develops severe oral problems and anxiety issues. Most people with oral are anxious when they speak in front of people.
People suffering from depression tend to abuse alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco, which may cause tooth erosion and decay. It can also cause self-neglect, resulting in poor oral hygiene, gum disease, and significant tooth decay.
Early treatment is critical to avoid severe damage and tooth loss. Still, the prospect of dental care is frightening for many patients, and a visit to the dentist can cause anxiety and phobia in those suffering from severe depression or psychosis.
Accessible and cheap dental treatment can help, resulting in early intervention and referral, which non-dental workers frequently do. Our dentists in North York can provide this for you if you need advice and consultation for dental hygiene near you. You only have to make a call or a walk-in, and we’d be glad to help you.
Regular dental exams and good oral hygiene practice are essential for overall health and emotional well-being. Early therapy to keep a bright, healthy smile can boost self-esteem and social interactions. Furthermore, having a healthy, pain-free mouth improves one’s mood and reduces the likelihood of developing other ailments.
Dental health care professional education builds on these linkages to better understand patients’ oral health and give treatments for individuals who suffer from dental phobias and anxiety. We can be as cognitively and orally healthy as possible with proper care and assistance. Our dentists at Quad Dental can provide you with excellent oral treatments.