When our mental health suffers, so do the things around us. For those with anxiety and depression, one of those things can be oral health. Our mouths are how we express ourselves. Through smiling, talking, and eating. If you find it hard to smile, or are anxious about others’ opinions, declining oral health can make it worse.
The Connection Between Oral Health and Mental Health
Studies have shown a connection between mental health and oral health. For those with poor mental health, there is an increase in the presence of gum disease, tooth loss, and halitosis. These are especially poor in those with depression and anxiety. The supposed reason for this is that symptoms of depression and anxiety make it difficult to keep up oral care habits. They also make it harder to eat well and prioritize your health.
Ways Oral Health Is Affected by Depression and Anxiety
Tooth Decay and Missing Teeth
Large amounts of plaque increase the amount of tooth-eating acids in your mouth. This leads to small holes in our teeth, called caries. It also causes gum disease, which affects the soft tissues in your mouth. This situation can sometimes cause tooth loss because gum disease weakens the structures of your mouth.
Depression and anxiety is compounded with tooth loss. It affects your smile, your speech, and your confidence.
Enamel Loss
The loss of enamel on our teeth can make them sensitive to temperatures, and even cause them to become painful. It can be caused by tooth decay, gum disease, tooth grinding, and excessive vomiting.
Infections
Open sores in your mouth, cavities, and open sockets from missing teeth can easily become infected. Infections can spread from your mouth and through your body quite fast.
Tooth Grinding
For some, anxiety can lead to an increase in grinding teeth. Constantly grinding your teeth together creates pain in your jaw and can cause extreme damage to your teeth as it wears away enamel. Grinding can also lead to sensitivity and even make fillings fall out.
Bad Breath
All the things listed above (like infections or gum disease) can cause halitosis. Ultimately, not maintaining your oral care because of depression leads to bad breath, which can affect your sense of self.
Oral Pain
Along with halitosis, the conditions listed above can come with pain. When it hurts to eat, you may be likely to avoid hard, crunchy fruits and vegetables. Steering clear of foods that are good for you will further increase the negative impacts on your teeth.
How to Care for Your Oral Health When Life is Too Much
When your mental health is at its worst, taking care of your oral health can feel overwhelming. These three tips can help you keep up with your oral health until you feel good enough to get back into your oral health routine.
1: Drink Water
Water not only keeps you hydrated but helps your oral health. It can help prevent an uncomfortable dry mouth. It also rinses out some bacteria. Keep a reusable bottle of water on you at all times and sip throughout the day.
2: Keep Mouthwash Around
Keeping some bottles of mouthwash around in places you can see is a good way to remember to rinse out your mouth. Try the bathroom counter, kitchen sink, nightstand, in your bag, and on your work desk.
3: Give Disposable Toothbrushes a Try
Another amazing addition to your home is disposable toothbrushes with toothpaste already added. Keep some in your car, your bag, on your bedside table, and anywhere else you suddenly remember you haven’t brushed. They take away the need to get up from bed to brush.
Oral Care from People Who Care
How you feel about your smile affects how you feel about yourself overall. Coming in for a cleaning and oral exam can be the start of your path to recovery. Here at Country Club Dental, we offer compassionate care from our dentists, Dr. Paul Whitney and Dr. Mikaela Weedman.
You deserve to feel good about yourself and your smile. Contact us today for an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (9/23/24). Photo by Fernando @cferdophotography on Unsplash.
