The Link Between Mental and Oral Health: How One Affects the Other

The link between oral health and mental wellness is mutual. Our body systems are all linked together. When a person has issues with one aspect of their health, they often struggle with other areas of their health. It is essential to understand the impact of dental health on our overall well-being to maintain the health of our teeth and gums.

As we gain a deeper understanding of the importance of mental health to both quality of life and physical well-being, we are witnessing an increased focus on it in all areas of healthcare. Mental health affects people’s capacity to care for themselves in every aspect, including dental health. Poor oral health and major dental illnesses can also impact the brain and play a role in severe cognitive issues.

Oral Health Has an Impact on Mental Health

Poor or neglected dental health can lead to a loss of self-esteem and self-confidence, which is detrimental to mental health.

Consider the consequences for a depressed patient who discovers that no one wants to talk to them because of their foul breath.

Poor dental health can induce or increase social anxiety, which can affect mental health:

• Eating or speaking difficulties.
• Yellowing, rotting, or missing teeth all contribute to a sinister appearance.
• Bad breath that persists

These consequences may eventually lead to more severe mental health issues. There is more than just a superficial connection between mental and dental health; it can have a profound impact on one’s self-perception and interpersonal relationships.

Oral Health is Affected by Mental Health

On the other hand, mental health challenges often make it harder to keep up with everyday self-care routines—including brushing and flossing. Depression, anxiety, and other conditions can reduce motivation or energy, leading to skipped hygiene practices or poor lifestyle choices that impact oral health.

Here are 7 impacts of oral health on mental health:

1. Neglect oral hygiene. Depression and schizophrenia patients are more inclined to ignore dental care, leading to gum disease and tooth decay.
2. Drinking alcohol, using tobacco, and other drugs may increase acquiring gingivitis and oral cancer.
3. Eating disorders can damage tooth enamel, leading to dietary deficiencies that impact the teeth and contribute to purging practices.
4. Forceful brushing due to compulsion can cause damage to tooth enamel. Patients with bipolar illness or OCD may brush, floss, and rinse excessively, resulting in gum damage.
5. Teeth grinding, caused by anxiety or extreme stress, can wear down, fracture, or damage your teeth.
6. More sensitive to pain; as a result, you’ll develop a fear of seeing the dentist.
7. Medicines for mental illness produce dry mouth, leading to various dental problems.

Preventive measures

Dental and mental wellness are not mutually exclusive. They have a strong influence on each other.

Here are some options you can do at home to avoid any harmful consequences.

Oral health preventive care

• Brush and floss daily.
• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and consume fluoridated water.
• Stop smoking.
• Reduce or quit alcohol consumption.
• Limit your consumption of beverages and foods high in sugar.
• Consume a well-balanced diet.
• Visit your Leederville dentist regularly.

Improving your dental health requires maintaining proper oral hygiene.

Improving mental health

High levels of stress are risk factors for mental disease. Keeping stress to a minimum can help prevent both mental health and dental concerns.

You may strengthen your mental health and well-being by taking active measures such as:

• Make sure that your body has a proper balance of vitamins and minerals. This might help you relax and boost your mood.
• It can also provide you with a good outlet to chat with someone when anxious. Loneliness may be alleviated, and anxiety and depression reduced by maintaining a good social life with excellent interpersonal ties.
• Maintain a healthy activity and exercise routine. This might make you feel more confident in yourself.
• Avoid taking drugs, consuming alcohol, and smoking. Any of these drugs can cause mood swings and poor mental health.
• Your doctor may recommend medicines or help you find a therapist to assist with your condition. Talking to your doctor if you’re having trouble with your mental health will help.

Oral Health in Leederville

Our dental health, including our mental well-being, influences many aspects of our overall health. That is why maintaining good oral health is crucial for numerous reasons.

Call Dentist on Vincent today on (08) 9242 4400 or schedule an appointment online.

You can also visit us at 322 Vincent St in Leederville.

PARKING/PUBLIC TRANSPORT

There is ample car parking across the road from the practice

There are cafes and eateries within walking distance

LOCATION

Dentists on Vincent is located in Leederville, 14 min from Northbridge and only short stroll from Leederville Oval and Water Corporation