You likely already know that brushing and flossing twice daily can help remove plaque and bacteria to prevent common oral issues, such as cavities and gum disease. But did you know that your mental health can also potentially affect the condition of your grin?
Some studies have discovered a link between certain disorders or addictions and poorer dental conditions. Continue reading to learn more about how your mental well-being might impact your smile!
Does My Mental Health Affect My Dental Well-Being?
Many patients who struggle with chronic and clinical mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, also have a hard time keeping up with personal hygiene and self-care. This is because the sensory experience of grooming can feel too demanding for a nervous system that’s already overloaded or shutting down, making what others might consider a ‘simple task’ seem monumental. Others develop a cognitive fog that makes it hard to remember details, like whether or not you’ve already brushed and flossed your teeth.
Not only that, but some antidepressants and other prescription medications can cause dry mouth, which provides arid conditions that encourage harmful germs to flourish in your mouth. Unfortunately, if you’re not keeping up with a consistent twice-daily at-home dental hygiene routine or don’t produce enough saliva, you’re at an increased risk of developing decay, disease, or other damage.
How Can I Help Improve My Condition?
If you’re concerned that your mental health is negatively affecting your dental well-being, there are several things you can do to help prevent harm, including:
- Make reminders. Setting alarms or creating reminders, either on your phone or with sticky notes, can help you remember to brush and floss both in the morning and at night.
- Manage bad habits. Some people turn to tobacco or alcohol products to cope with mental disorders, which are known for causing decay, disease, and even cancer. Reducing or eliminating your exposure can improve your dental and mental health.
- Eat a balanced diet. Filling your body with a variety of wholesome foods helps ensure it has what it needs to function at its peak.
- Ask about alternative medications. You can ask your primary care physician whether there are other prescriptions that might not cause dry mouth.
- Schedule routine appointments. Making an effort to see your dentist every 6 months for a standard checkup and cleaning can go a long way towards preserving your smile.
If you have other questions about how to protect your dental health, you can learn more by scheduling an appointment with your provider!
Meet the Author
Dr. Kevin Dann takes pride in helping families in Toronto improve their daily lives by helping them build and maintain beautiful, healthy teeth and gums. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Toronto and has completed additional specialty training and certifications. Today, he offers a comprehensive menu of services, including routine preventive care, to meet your unique needs under one roof. You can request an appointment on the website or call (416) 961-2273.
