While many of us know about the link between oral and physical health, there is limited knowledge on if oral health is related to psychological wellbeing – especially in older adults. Now, a research team has sought to find out if a link exists, and how this connection happens. The findings were very positive, and underline the importance of oral health.
Many of us are aware of the link between oral health and physical health. Past research has consistently shown that strong oral health has a positive effect on physical health.
However, in positive news, the link appears to extend further, with new research suggesting that strong oral health can improve psychological wellbeing in older adults [1].
This new research places further emphasis on the importance of oral health. Boosting both physical and psychological health is very beneficial.
Background
As mentioned, there is a well-documented connection between oral and physical health. Poor oral health can have a negative impact on physical health.
However, there is limited knowledge on any impact that oral health has on psychological wellbeing. Therefore, this is a topic area that is of interest to researchers.
Moreover, in Japan, where the research took place, there is a rapidly aging population, meaning that more focus is being placed on geriatric care. Therefore, the researchers were keen on looking at this topic area [1].
Past research shows that as we age, our psychological wellbeing often declines [2]. This often results in low mood, anxiety, sleeping problems and a lack of motivation among other areas.
Therefore, psychological wellbeing is hugely important. For example, it has been shown to increase life expectancy, improve quality of life, and provide general happiness [3].
The Research
The research was carried out by a team at Okayama University, Japan. Their findings have been published in the PLOS ONE journal [1].
In the research, the team examined a range of oral-related conditions. They focused on 218 older adults that visited a dental clinic on Okayama [1]. For the purposes of this study, “older adults” refer to those aged 60 and over.
The team looked at indicators of strong oral health. This meant that they were looking at the bacterial load on the tongue, chewing ability and the swallowing ability of the patients [1].
Then, they compared these measures to the self-reported psychological wellbeing of the same patients. Moreover, they also asked about the nutritional status and environmental characteristics of the participants [1]. For example, these characteristics include their habits, social life and medical history [1].
The researchers were able to take all of this into consideration. They then looked for patterns between the different types of data in order to reach their conclusions.
The findings showed that oral health is related to nutritional status, which then has an impact on wellbeing in older adults [1]. So, oral health does have a positive impact on psychological wellbeing.
The researchers explained this finding. They pointed out that oral health plays a substantial role in determining which food or drink a person can consume. Therefore, this impacts the nutritional intake of a person, thereby influencing their overall health [1].
Moreover, the research also showed a link between oral health and a person’s environmental characteristics, including their social life. The researchers explained this by how poor environmental characteristics were associated with psychological stress, resulting in poor habits like smoking and poor diet developing [1]. Therefore, this would increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Summary
Overall, the main finding was that oral health has a positive impact on wellbeing through its effects on nutritional status, and its consequential effect on a person’s environment.
This research underlines the importance of oral health. Therefore, it is important for us all – especially older adults – to invest time and effort into looking after our oral health, as it can have a range of benefits.
Senior Assistant Professor Noriko Takeuchi led the study, and confirmed the findings. He said that “the results highlight that good oral health” can improve “psychological wellbeing in the long run” [4].
The research team were understandably pleased with the outcome. Furthermore, this is also very positive for humans– and shows that by looking after our oral health, strong wellbeing can follow!
Thinking points…
1) The researchers pointed out that poor habits, such as a high consumption of sugar, or smoking, can impact our oral health. If you do have poor habits, try to get rid of these. A great way of reviewing your oral health is to attend a dental check-up. At a check-up, a dentist can take a look at your oral health and provide advice and treatment if necessary. We recommend booking an appointment now!
2) If you are reading this and you or your parents are aged over 60, or you have friends in this age group, these findings are very relevant! With this in mind, you could share this article with them now. This can help to improve their psychological wellbeing, which would be very helpful to them! Feel free to share the article right away!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
References
[1] Takeuchi, N., Sawada, N., Ekuni, D., & Morita, M. (2023). Association between oral condition and subjective psychological well-being among older adults attending a university hospital dental clinic: A cross-sectional study. PLOS ONE. 18 (11): e0295078. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0295078.
[2] Snowden, M., Dhingra, S. S., Keyes, C. L. M., & Anderson, L. A. (2010). Changes in Mental Well-Being in the Transition to Late Life: Findings From MIDUS I and II. American Journal of Public Health. 100 (12): p2385-2388. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2105%2FAJPH.2010.193391.
[3] Vazquez, C., Hervas, G., Rahona, J. J., & Gomez, D. (2009). Psychological well-being and health. Contributions of positive psychology. Annuary of Clinical and Health Psychology. 5: p15-27.
[4] Okayama University. (2024). Study finds oral health indirectly influences subjective psychological well-being in older adults. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-01-oral-health-indirectly-subjective-psychological.html. Last accessed: 1st February 2024.
