Researchers have well-documented the connection between oral health and physical wellness. What if we told you that a strong dental care routine can also benefit your mental health?
You are less likely to experience emotional and mental stressors. Especially with dental issues when your teeth and gums are healthy. Mental health plays a crucial role in dental hygiene too. People who have well-maintained teeth are less likely to suffer mentally.
In this article, we’ll discuss how mental and oral health are correlated. And how to optimize them both for the best results.
What are the effects of oral health on mental health?
There is a powerful connection between your mouth and your mind that you may not realize. You may experience a lower sense of self-esteem due to periodontitis. Or even misaligned teeth. This may also lead to feelings of anxiety or depression.
Researchers examined this association which used data extracted from the U.S. study. Participants underwent a periodontal exam and a depression screening.
What was the most significant finding? A significant 22% of participants had moderate symptoms of depression. More than half were affected by periodontitis. Only one-third had dental caries treated.
However, it is crucial to realize that the connection is reciprocal. Researchers wondered if the onset of depression could lead to periodontal disease.
Survey participants with depressive symptoms were at a higher risk of mild periodontitis.
How is the oral health connection formed?
In this relationship, both behavioral and biological factors are at play. Let’s examine each in turn.
Behavioral Factors
In an emotional state, certain aspects of personal care are less likely to be prioritized. This includes such as dental care. Dental services, such as preventive cleanings by their dentists are not focused.
According to a recent study of 96,000 adults, 73% had used oral health services in the past year. According to researchers, participants suffering from: were less likely to use such services.
- Current depression.
- Lifetime diagnosed depression.
- Lifetime diagnosed anxiety.
Adults who had these illnesses were twice as likely to not have been to the dentist. This includes going to the dentists for regular cleanings. Anxiety and depression can have a mental and physical toll. The following symptoms may also occur as a result of these conditions:
- Decreased energy levels.
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
- Physical aches and pains.
- Gastrointestinal distress.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Appetite and weight changes.
When these symptoms occur, it can be difficult to maintain good oral health habits. Attending visits or scheduling treatment for dental issues can be even more overwhelming. A worsening of this condition can lead to more severe periodontitis.
Research shows that people who eat an unhealthy diet are likely to develop mental health conditions. This includes depression and anxiety disorders.
Smoking is also a popular form of self-medication for them. 71% percent of studies indicated that baseline depression is associated with smoking onset. Cigarette use and unhealthy diets contribute to poor oral health.
Biological Factors
There is a biological connection between oral health and mental health. Cortisol is the chief hormone responsible for the establishment of this link.
When depression and anxiety set in, this is your body’s stress hormone. As a result of elevated cortisol levels, your immune system becomes weak. This can leave you more prone to diseases.
It becomes more difficult to treat dental conditions such as gum diseases. Especially when the natural immune system gets weak.
This is only one of many ways in which your body’s reactions can impact your oral health. People with anxiety also suffer from bruxism, which refers to teeth grinding at night.
The physical manifestation of stress and anxiety, such behavior problems can cause dental problems. Like damaged teeth or temporal mandibular disorder (TMD).
Many medications prescribed to treat anxiety and depression can lead to side effects. For example, the following antidepressant medications may cause side effects:
- SSRIs are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
- Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRIs).
- Alternative antidepressants.
The researchers studied 99 separate trials involving more than 20,000 participants. They found that all three types of medication caused dry mouth. The most common culprit was SNRIs.
A dry mouth leads to a significant decrease in saliva production. Your teeth are more likely to become coated with bacteria, plaque, and food particles. Tooth decay and gum disease can occur as a result.
BOTTOM LINE
Keep your oral health at the top of your mind to stay healthy both physically and mentally. You can take care of your teeth and feel your best from the inside out if you brush and floss twice a day. Also, make sure to schedule regular dental appointments.