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PUBLISHED ON 01/12/22
We’ve told you how staying physically healthy benefits your mental health. However, did you know that mental health is equally as crucial to healthy teeth as physical health? In fact, many mental health disorders are associated with dental diseases, and individuals with severe mental illness are almost three times as likely to lose all their teeth.
Eating disorders – whether you’re anorexic, bulimic or have a binge-eating disorder – can have adverse effects on your oral health. This is particularly true for disorders that aren’t appropriately managed; eating disorders have been known to lead to permanent oral damage. For example, the lack of calcium, vitamin D and iron that results from some eating disorders can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Moreover, overeating or vomiting can result in stomach acid reaching the mouth and cause it to wear away at tooth enamel. Eating disorders can also cause salivary glands to swell and decrease saliva production, leading to dry mouth and increasing the risk for cavities, tooth loss and infections.
Depression often leads to a decrease in health care and oral hygiene. This is because depression can cause low energy, leading to poor hygiene habits and nutritional choices. This is because people with little energy are less likely to prioritise brushing, flossing or even what they’re consuming, leading to tooth decay.
People suffering from stress and anxiety are more likely to suffer dental issues. Anxiety can lead to a dental phobia, which causes individuals to avoid the dentist and seek help for any oral problems. In addition, those who suffer from stress may experience a change in gut bacteria. Although this seems mild, the shift in gut bacteria can lead to compromised immunity and gum disease. Additionally, inflammation and leakage into the intestinal lining – correlated with gingivitis, periodontal disease and tooth decay, are linked to stress and anxiety.
Many medications prescribed for mental health conditions, such as anti-depressants, anti-anxiety and anti-psychotic medications, have side effects. These side effects include dry mouth, which can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and trauma to soft tissue as saliva acts as a natural protection for the mouth.
Exercise is hugely beneficial when it comes to mental health. We understand it can be challenging to motivate yourself to do anything when your mental health deteriorates. However, even walking for 30 minutes each day can help. Exercise has been known to increase self-esteem, change the chemicals secreted in your brain and improve your mood.
As we saw during the numerous lockdowns, the worst thing about being stuck at home is the isolation. Connecting with people – even when you don’t feel like it – can give you a sense of belonging, a support network and even increase your self-worth.
Taking a pottery class, learning to cook or taking up a new language can put you back on track when you feel unsteady. Learning a new skill can give you a sense of purpose and boost self-esteem and confidence. Moreover, if you take a class with other people, you’ll be allowed to connect with others.
Giving back through volunteering or simply donating something you no longer need will create positive feelings. It will also give you a sense of purpose and self-worth and boost your mental health.
Mental health is often about calming the mind. Prioritise yourself by taking some time and slowing down. This will give you a moment of peace to acknowledge any unruly emotions. Practising mindfulness can also allow you to train your mind to be present and help you feel calm and focused, and give you a sense of wellbeing.
Sometimes asking for help is the best way we can help ourselves. There’s no shame in seeing a doctor, or requesting a mental health plan or a medication regimen.
Positive and healthy acts can cause a flow-on effect and motivate you to improve other habits in your life. For example, exercise and increased self-esteem may cause you to give up smoking, reduce your alcohol intake, limit sugar, and change your diet. In doing so, you can improve the health of your gums and teeth.
Connecting with other people can motivate you to prioritise your dental hygiene. We often may not have the energy for ourselves but have the energy for other people. When we know we have to see someone, we can put more energy into our presentation. This can include brushing our teeth twice a day and flossing often.
Although medication can lead to dental problems due to dry mouth, we would never recommend stopping necessary medicine for such a side effect. Instead, chew sugar-free gum to generate more saliva and visit the dentist.
Mental health is a vital part of living a happy life. So it’s imperative we take care of our minds, not just for our oral health but also for our overall health and wellbeing. To manage your mental health, visit your doctor, but book an appointment at Maidstone Dental today for all your oral needs.
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