How does your oral health affect your mental health?
Posted on 1/24/2022 by Thomas Wold, DMD
It is difficult to find a connection between our dental hygiene and other areas of our body or general well-being. This is the case with mental health, it is difficult to connect it to oral health, but they really do have a strong relationship. Your mental health has an impact on your whole health, including your oral health. People with mental health issues are more prone to suffer from oral health issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. Oral health has an impact on general health and can even aid with mental wellness.
Overall mental and oral health
You may not realize it, but your dental and mental health are closely linked. Mental illnesses can lead to coping behaviors such as smoking, which are harmful to one's dental health. Some persons who suffer from mental illnesses may avoid or stop going to the dentist. People with mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression may engage in behaviors or have other issues that influence their dental health as a result of their disease.
Poor Nutrition
You may not feel like eating if you are suffering from anxiety, sadness, or another mental ailment. You may also consume too many sugary treats or beverages, which make you feel better for a short time but lead to tooth damage and cavities. Calcium levels may be low in those who have poor nutrition or eating disorders. Calcium deficiency can cause your teeth' exterior enamel to deteriorate. Some eating disorders, such as vomiting after eating, can cause damage to the throat, teeth, and mouth. Bulimia can cause dry mouth and dental difficulties by reducing saliva production in the mouth.
Talk to your doctor if you're having trouble with your mental health. Your doctor may recommend drugs or assist you in finding a therapist to help you with your condition. Oral and mental health are inextricably linked. Make sure you see your dentist on a regular basis, and if you have worries about your mental health, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about it.
Dentist Bend, OR • Dental Blog • Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend Dr. Thomas E. Wold has created this blog to help educate the community. Like a Post? Please use the "share it" button to post to Facebook, Twitter, or Google+. Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend, LLC - Thomas E. Wold DMD, 124 NW Hawthorne Ave. Bend, OR. 97703 \ (541) 389-0261 \ wolddmd.com \ 6/8/2023 \ Page Keywords: dentist Bend OR \
It is difficult to find a connection between our dental hygiene and other areas of our body or general well-being. This is the case with mental health, it is difficult to connect it to oral health, but they really do have a strong relationship. Your mental health has an impact on your whole health, including your oral health. People with mental health issues are more prone to suffer from oral health issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. Oral health has an impact on general health and can even aid with mental wellness.