What Is the Connection Between My Oral and Depression?

Mental health gets a lot of attention these days, and rightfully so, but did you know that it has a strong connection to your oral health, as well? Your state of mind and the condition of your mouth influence one another.

Depression is a mood disorder and an aspect of mental health that can pose challenges to your motivation for proper dental care. Understanding the relationship between depression and dental health is significant, as you work to take better care of yourself in both respects. Keep reading to learn from your dentist in Doylestown how they correlate and how you can navigate the situation to protect your teeth.

What Impact Can Struggles with Depression Have on My Oral Health?

Almost two-thirds of people with depression reported having a toothache in the past year, according to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. It also found that half of all people with depression rated the condition of their teeth as fair or poor. A scientific review of related studies found a strong link between gum disease and mood conditions.

People with depression, stress, or anxiety sometimes lose focus on oral health habits, which can lead to significant dental issues. For example, someone with depression might only brush and floss at irregular intervals, skip dentist visits, have an unhealthy diet, and try to cope by smoking. Depression affects one out of every 10 Americans and more than 80 percent who suffer from clinical depression go untreated.

Depression and anxiety create stress, which manifests itself in the body as the hormone cortisol. As cortisol levels increase, the immune system gets weaker. This can make you vulnerable to gingivitis and gum disease.

Anxiety makes you more susceptible to canker sores, dry mouth, and teeth grinding. Anxiety is the most common mental illness in America, affecting an estimated 40 million adults. Also, medications prescribed for mental health issues can cause dry mouth, which makes it easier for cavities to form.

A recent study performed at West Virginia University showed a direct link between depression and anxiety and tooth loss in affected patients. Those suffering from either mood condition were 95 percent more likely to have some degree of tooth loss than those who did not.

How Can I Work Through Depression While Maintaining My Oral Hygiene?

When you are struggling with your mental health, sometimes it can feel like nothing matters as much as it used to. It’s important not to throw in the towel and give up on any aspect of yourself, including your oral health.

Obviously, brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily are huge difference-makers. But having the motivation to do them is essential, and it may take time for you to build up to that.

Start by brushing once per day, or even a few times each week, so you can get into a routine where the behavior becomes more automatic. You’ll feel better and cleaner without a sense of being overwhelmed.

Brushing in the morning can give you some positive feelings to begin the day. In time, try to work flossing into your routine when you feel up to it. When you’re ready, you can contact your dentist and they’ll perform a cleaning and exam that can ensure your oral health is progressing to where it needs to be.

When you are going through mental struggles, it is important to seek professional help so you can get your life back on track. During the process, don’t lose sight of your physical health, including the status of your teeth.

About the Author

Dr. Terry Rakowsky is in his fourth decade of helping dental patients with their smiles, and it never gets old seeing the reaction from someone he has assisted. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Rakowsky has remained diligent about continuing education at the world-renowned Dawson Academy and Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. Don’t let your general or oral health slip – be sure to see your doctor and dentist regularly. You can make an appointment for a dental cleaning and exam on Dr. Rakowsky’s website or by calling (215) 348-2224.