Many of us may not associate oral health with mental well-being. However, studies demonstrate that there is a link between dental and mental health. While more research is needed to comprehend this connection completely, people should be aware of the cyclical relationship between mental and oral health and cooperate with their health care professionals to address any difficulties.
Dental Fears
Dental procedures might cause anxiety in some ways. According to research, nearly half of all dental patients are anxious about their appointments, occasionally leading to dental phobia. Many mental health conditions are also linked to oral disease in the opposite direction. This link might be due to the condition's nature, such as an eating problem destroying teeth, or depression resulting in a drop in health care and dental hygiene.
In a 2015 study of 473 patients, 58.8% had dental anxiety. An individual with dental anxiety or phobia might experience the following symptoms when they think about going to or arrive at a dental appointment:
Racing heartbeat or heart palpitations
Low blood pressure and fainting
Aggression or humor as a defense mechanism to mask anxiety
Sweating
Crying or other clear signs of distress
However, there's also a positive link: excellent oral health may help you feel better about yourself by boosting your self-esteem and relieving the pain and suffering from dental problems.
Maintaining Oral Health
The behavioral impacts of stress, sadness, and anxiety are the most obvious explanation for the relationship between mental and oral health. These situations cause people to become lax in their commitment to their oral health routines, resulting in serious dental problems. Depression, for example, can lead to individuals brushing and flossing at irregular intervals, skipping dentist appointments, eating unhealthy foods, and smoking cigarettes. Anxiety, in particular, is linked to a variety of oral health problems. Canker sores, dry mouth, and tooth grinding are more common in those who suffer from anxiety.
Additionally, periodontal (gum) disease has been scientifically linked to mood disorders such as stress, discomfort, anxiety, sadness, and loneliness. Some medicines which are used to treat mental illnesses might have a negative influence on your teeth and gums. Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a typical adverse effect. When salivary flow is diminished, a dry mouth develops, increasing the likelihood of gum disease and tooth decay. Stomatitis, or swelling and redness of the mouth's lining, is caused by dental bacterial infection and has been related to antidepressants and other mood-enhancing medications as a side effect.
Fortunately, there are strategies to combat the effects of depression or anxiety on oral health. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day is the simplest way to keep your mouth healthy. Moreover, it is important to brush with clinically proven toothpastes and/or dental gels. For example, LIVFRESH is backed by over 25 research studies and removes plaque up to 250% better than leading toothpastes.
Maintaining fundamental oral health routines can help you keep your teeth and mouth in great shape. Contact LIVFRESH today for more information on how our products can help and tips on maintaining good oral health.