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Research has established a rather surprising connection between poor dental care and mental health.
Aside from diabetes and many other chronic diseases, poor dental care has been linked to dementia. And a 2018 study found that a large percentage of patients diagnosed with depressive symptoms also experienced toothache.
As such, everyone should practice proper dental hygiene to protect their mental and physical health.
Dental problems related to mental illness
- Bad brushing: People with bipolar syndrome or similar disorders tend to brush their teeth too vigorously and often corrode the enamel. Because of the pain, then they brush their teeth badly.
- Eating disorders: Patients with conditions such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa tend to experience tooth erosion as a result of the acidity of vomiting. They also have lower levels of calcium, which affects the way you eat.
- Anxiety: Most people experience some level of dental phobia and fear visiting the dentist.
However, without regular visits to the dentist, serious oral problems and anxiety can develop.
Most people with oral problems are anxious when talking in front of other people.
Dental care and mental health: the vicious cycle
The connection between mental health and dental care can be seen as a vicious cycle involving inflammation of the mouth and constant pain leading to low self-esteem, depression and anxiety.
Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste and reducing sugar intake, as well as frequent check-ups.
Online implant dentistry consultations are also available, which can provide relief for people with chronic dental problems.
Routine treatment by a dentist can help restore social life, as people with oral problems often feel embarrassed about their condition and lack confidence when around other people.
Signs of dental and mental illness
Mental illness damages oral health. For people with mental illness, dental problems are very likely to cause the loss of all their teeth.
People with affective disorders or depression tend to experience tooth wear as a result of excessive grinding of the teeth and vigorous brushing. They often feel neglected.
A dentist can detect signs of eating disorders in the early stages, as they can see the damage done to the enamel by purging.
Dentists often recommend fluoride treatments for these conditions, frequent cleanings to remineralize the enamel, or, if teeth cannot be saved, G4 implantation.
Causes of poor dental hygiene in unstable patients
Those with mental health problems tend to suffer from anxiety and stress-related problems that can result in poor dental hygiene.
Dealing with dental health is often difficult when one suffers from mental illness.
Therefore, dentists often advise caregivers to take the mentally ill outside for self-reflection, which will give them the energy to perform routine tasks, such as dental care.
People with depression are known to visit the dentist less often and often have an unhealthy diet.
People with anxiety problems often grind their teeth and develop mouth ulcers. These symptoms could be detrimental to your health, considering the short-term and long-term effects.
Stress has psychological effects on oral health. The stress hormone cortisone increases and, as a result, weakens the immune system, making it easier for bacteria to cause inflammation of the gums.
Anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants sometimes dry out the mouth, so there is not enough saliva to wash away the food left on the teeth after eating.
Taking care of oral health
It is difficult for people with anxiety and depression problems to take care of their teeth, but everyone should observe oral hygiene.
Dentists advise brushing your teeth at least twice a day, as well as flossing after every meal. Also, use a mouthwash that kills harmful bacteria and helps flush out clogged debris trapped in your mouth.
Those who have trouble remembering dental appointments or brushing their teeth should set the alarm or reminder.
Proper oral hygiene and frequent dental check-ups are essential for good mental health. Poor mental health affects oral hygiene, leading to tooth decay or gum disease.
Controlling oral health is not difficult. Living a healthier lifestyle and making the visit to the dentist a routine is essential.
And for those with a responsibility to care for the mentally ill, take them out frequently and teach them the basics of oral hygiene.
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the founder of Psychreg and host of The DRH Show. You can connect with him on Twitter @drelojo_howell
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