Oral health is known to be strongly associated with our physical health. Yet many are unaware of the connection between oral health and our mental health. However, a link between these two areas does exist. There are several factors in place that mean those with mental health problems often have poor oral health.
The link between oral health and overall physical health is well-known. However, a connection that many are unaware of concerns oral health and mental health.
With discussions and awareness of mental health becoming more entrenched in society, many are seeing how their mental wellbeing impacts oral health [1].
There are a range of reasons why people with poor mental health may have an increased chance of having oral health problems.
Mental health
Mental health problems impact huge numbers of people around the world. For example, the World Health Organization found in 2019 that 970 million people were living with a mental disorder [2]. The Covid-19 pandemic is likely to have exacerbated this.
The most common conditions are Depression and Anxiety. More severe mental health conditions include Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia.
Mental health disorders impair the day-to-day lives of many in multiple ways. This includes impacting employment, relationships with family and friends, and an ongoing risk of premature death.
Moreover, many have pointed towards a link between mental health and oral health. There are several reasons why this connection may exist.
Mental health and oral health research
Significant research has taken place looking at the connection between mental health and oral health. Findings have consistently found a link between them.
For example, research has found that those with depression and anxiety – the two most common mental health conditions – have a higher chance of tooth loss, and visiting dental clinics less [3].
Research has also indicated that patients in mental health hospitals do not unfortunately see dentists regularly [4]. This means that any problems they have may go unnoticed, causing long-term problems.
This is backed up by dentists. Chicago-based dentist Suhail Mohiuddin has estimated that around 15-20% of his patients have had a mental health condition that has impacted their oral health [1].
Then there are bigger factors at play. For instance, during Covid-19, routine dentistry around the world was suspended. This coincided with many people developing mental health conditions.
Therefore, hundreds of millions of people missed out on dental appointments, with many of these having mental health problems. The industry continues to gradually recover.
It is also apparent that for some people with anxiety, leaving their house can be a challenging experience. This can mean that making it to a dental clinic for a check-up can be very difficult.
Additionally, some people have an active phobia of the dentist. They may feel unable to attend the dentist, which can worsen their oral health.
For those that are out of work due to their mental health, they may struggle to afford dental care. This can be a major barrier to receiving oral healthcare.
Furthermore, those that have not visited the dentist in many years may be conscious of being judged by a dentist over the state of their teeth. This can be linked to poor self-esteem – resulting in a negative cycle developing.
Dry mouth
Antidepressant prescriptions have risen enormously over the last few decades. For example, in the United States, there was a 64% increase in the percentage of people using antidepressants between 1999 and 2014, with this number rising further in the last decade [5].
One of the most common side effects of antidepressants is dry mouth. A dry mouth results in a lack of saliva in the mouth. Saliva is crucial for regulating the acid levels of the mouth.
Therefore, due to a lack of saliva, acid and harmful bacteria can last for a longer period of time, doing more damage in the process.
With antidepressant usage rising, it has unsurprisingly resulted in a negative impact on oral health, with more people having a dry mouth. Chewing gum and frequently drinking water have proven to be effective ways of combatting this issue.
Ignoring toothbrushing
Anyone that has suffered from a mental health condition will be aware of how even the smallest of tasks can feel like an overwhelming challenge.
The perfect example of this is brushing your teeth. For most, brushing teeth is just a standard activity that is completed at least twice throughout the day.
However, for some, the task seems daunting, and is often ignored. This is especially the case when symptoms include a lack of energy or motivation.
When teeth are not brushed, it leaves them vulnerable to tooth decay, enamel erosion and gum disease. Cavities will often form, resulting in the need for a filling, and in some cases – a root canal procedure.
Summary
Experiencing poor mental health can be incredibly difficult. For sufferers, it can seem that recovery is not possible. But with the right treatment and support, better mental wellbeing is possible.
It appears that work is needed to provide a more cohesive treatment approach that involves both mental and oral health. With both areas expected to continue to affect large amounts of the population, hopefully action will be taken soon.
On social media, there are several people that have shared their experiences about mental health and its impact on oral health. Many users suggest setting goals and repeating positive affirmations can have a positive impact [1].
There is certainly a clear link between mental health and oral health. In the future, hopefully we will see improvements in both areas.
Thinking points…
1) As discussed above, some people have not attended the dentist for a few years. As a result, they may be afraid of visiting a dental clinic. However, here at Savanna Dental, we always welcome new patients at our Calgary dental clinic! We will be happy to discuss your situation, and provide treatment if needed. You can read more about us at our website – https://savannadentalclinic.ca!
2) If you, or someone you know, is going through a difficult time mentally, you’ll know about how difficult it can be to complete everyday tasks. However, try to prioritize attending the dentist if possible. This will aid your oral health, which can consequently have a positive impact on your overall health. Any issues can be identified, with treatment possible. We recommend booking an appointment now!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our 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] Lee, C. (2024). How Depression Can Affect Dental Hygiene. Available: https://time.com/7001852/mental-health-impacts-dental-health/. Last accessed: 26th July 2024.
[2] World Health Organization. (2024). Mental Health. Available: https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health#tab=tab_2. Last accessed: 26th July 2024.
[3] Okoro, C. A., Strine, T. W., Eke, P. I., Dhingra, S. S., & Balluz, L. S. (2012). The association between depression and anxiety and use of oral health services and tooth loss. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. 40 (2): p134-144. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0528.2011.00637.x.
[4] Scrine, C., Durey, A., & Slack-Smith, L. (2017). Enhancing oral health for better mental health: Exploring the views of mental health professionals. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing. 28 (1): p178-186. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12307.
[5] Winerman, L. (2017). By the numbers: Antidepressant use on the rise. Available: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/11/numbers. Last accessed: 26th July 2024.
