While the link between mental health and physical health is widely discussed, the connection between oral health with mental health has limited research. Oral health is a crucial component of physical health and has an intricate bilateral relationship with mental health. An individual with mental disturbances such as depression or anxiety may practice a lack of self-care & oral hygiene. This results in an array of oral health diseases such as dental caries and gum disease. Likewise, a person with oral ailments may suffer from social anxiety and lack of confidence.
Let us explore the link between oral and mental health in detail!
How does our mental health impact our oral health?
A lack of hygiene is mostly associated with inadequate oral health which is often linked with mental anxiety, fear of visiting dentists, depression, and eating disorders. Consumption of food high in sugar & fat content can augment the probability of dental caries to a great extent. In addition, there are various aspects that correlate the influence of our mental state with that of oral health.
- Individuals with depression & anxiety are less likely to cater to their oral hygiene needs and are more likely to postpone their dentist visits.
- Mood disorders are often associated with the consumption of alcohol andsmoking that can be detrimental for oral health in the form of periodontal disease and oral cancer.
- Eating disorders such as bulimia are often characterized by vigorous vomiting. The acidic nature of vomiting damages the teeth making them vulnerable to decay.
- Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, occurs as a result of certain medications for mental disorders that can contribute to dental caries and gum disease. Certain antidepressants and mood-stabilizing drugs have been linked to oral bacterial infection leading to inflammation of the oral cavity.
- Individuals with bipolar disorders may often brush their teeth vigorously, resulting in washing away the enamel, a thin layer that forms the outer surface of the tooth.
Effect of our oral health on mental health
Dental anxiety is not uncommon in children as well as adults. Such individuals have a generalized anxiety disorder and suffer from tremendous anxiety, and panic attacks whenever they visit a dentist. There may be palpitations, sweating, low blood pressure, and fainting. People in a continuous state of anxiety may often clench or grind their teeth leading to a condition called bruxism which is characterized by wear and tear of the teeth. It is either due to the ingrained fear of the equipment used by the dentists, due to a previous bad experience, or the influence of other bad experiences. No matter what the cause, sometimes the fear of dentists is so profound that the routine dental visits are postponed and delayed until the dental issues escalate to a great extent.
- Teeth are a crucial part of our jaw bone that is related to our appearance. Decayed teeth & bad breath occurring as a result of lack of oral hygiene may lead to social anxiety, speech changes and lack of self-confidence. Such individuals may avoid social gatherings and functions, further augmenting their anxiety issues.
- Those who do not cater to their oral health needs tend to suffer from tooth decay & gingivitis more often, which can have devastating effects on their mental health. People with bad teeth are 2.7 times more likely to lose all of their teeth as compared to other individuals.
Various researchers have pointed out that a constant state of stress may have an impact on our immune system resulting in oral diseases such as periodontitis. Stress leads to the release of cortisol, the stress hormone that further stimulates the release of cytokines and other inflammatory mediators that may cause inflammation and pain in the oral cavity.
The cyclical relationship between oral health and mental health is very complex. Those who are suffering from mental ailments have a greater tendency to face oral health issues. The impact of mental ailments on eating habits also has a detrimental impact on our oral health. Those suffering from eating disorders or depression are more likely to eat sugary & high fatty foods, resulting in dental caries, and gingivitis. In turn, bad oral health can suffer on a mental plane.
The key to optimum oral health is a healthy mind
It is essential to follow a healthy lifestyle for optimum mental, physical, and oral health.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water and juices
- Avoid sugary and aerated drinks.
- Exercise and meditate regularly.
- Indulge in healthy eating practices and limit the intake of sugary and oily food. Do not forget to rinse your mouth with water after eating something sugary or acidic.
- Keep alcohol consumption and smoking to the minimum or avoid it completely if possible.
- Brush your teeth twice daily and floss regularly.
- Regularly go for routine dental health checkups.
- If you are facing anxiety or any other mental issues, please consult an expert.
What is the easiest way to keep a check on your dental health?
Our teeth are probably the most neglected due to our busy schedules, faulty eating habits and other commitments. We are offering you a solution wherein you will be able to take care of your oral health without having to compromise your professional or personal life. No matter how busy you are, if you just take five minutes of your time every 10 days for your own teeth, you will always have a healthy oral cavity. Toothlens offers you a self-examination tool with which you can examine your own teeth for any abnormalities and take advice from a dentist accordingly. All you need is a smartphone with a camera and you are sorted. Contact the Toothlens team to know more!
Your teeth are the mirror of your health. Keep them healthy always by having a sound mind!!!
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