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Examining the Correlation Between Mental Health and Oral Care

September 24, 2021

Filed under: Uncategorized — drpettigrew @ 10:14 pm
illustration sad woman sitting

The depression crept back up and now it’s taken over. You don’t even feel like finishing the show you were watching. You get a glass of water from the kitchen and shuffle into your bedroom, collapsing on the bed.

You feel like crying but also have the sense that it won’t make you feel any better. You just lay there, staring at that rug on the floor with a glazed-over expression.

You eventually passed out that night and never got your teeth brushed. It’s not the end of the world, right? Well, if that’s not a rare occurrence, it can be a big deal. Understanding the relationship between mental health and oral health is also significant, as you work to take better care of yourself in both respects.

Mental Health and Oral Health: Cause and Effect

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey showed that almost two-thirds of people with depression reported having a toothache in the last year. It also indicated that half of all people with depression rated the condition of their teeth as fair or poor. A scientific review of related studies found a strong link between gum disease and mood conditions.

People with stress, depression, or anxiety sometimes lose focus on oral health habits, which can lead to significant dental issues. For example, someone with depression might only brush and floss at irregular intervals, skip dentist visits, have an unhealthy diet, and try to cope by smoking. Depression affects one out of every 10 Americans and more than 80 percent who suffer from clinical depression go untreated.

Depression and anxiety create stress, which manifests itself in the body as the hormone cortisol. As cortisol levels increase, the immune system gets weaker. This can make you vulnerable to gingivitis and gum disease.

Anxiety makes you more susceptible to canker sores, dry mouth, and teeth grinding. Anxiety is the most common mental illness in America, affecting an estimated 40 million adults. Also, medications prescribed for mental health issues can cause dry mouth, which makes it easier for cavities to form.

A recent study performed at West Virginia University showed a direct link between depression and anxiety and tooth loss in affected patients. Those suffering from either mood condition were 95 percent more likely to have some degree of tooth loss than those who did not.

Manage a Mood Disorder While Maintaining a Great Smile

There are ways to keep your oral health in good standing as you work through depression or anxiety, and they are very straightforward.

Obviously, brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily are huge difference-makers. It may be more difficult to motivate yourself to do so, but keep in mind that these tasks just take a few minutes each day.

Also, schedule regular dental checkups and make sure that you follow through and go to the appointment. If your mouth is showing signs of your struggle with depression or anxiety, your dentist will make sure you are aware.

About the Author

Dr. J. Lee Pettigrew earned his D.D.S. degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. For more than three decades, he has strived to provide the best-possible dental care to the citizens of Southlake. Dr. Pettigrew belongs to many professional organizations, including membership in the American Dental Association. He is a three-time selection as a “Texas Super Dentist” by Texas Monthly magazine. To schedule an appointment for a checkup or ask a general dentistry question, visit his website or call (817) 481-4888.

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