How Stress, Anxiety, And Depression Can Result In Poor Dental Health

It will come as a surprise to most people that mental health has an impact on oral health. However, it has been established that issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression while seemingly unrelated can harm your dental health. A study by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey has revealed that close to two-thirds of those suffering from depression have also reported experiencing a toothache. Poor mental health has also been linked strongly with gum disease, which makes it even more important for those suffering from anxiety and depression to take extra care to maintain good dental hygiene.

Why Do Mental Health Issues Cause Poor Dental Health? 

One can appreciate that when people are stressed out or are severely anxious, it can be difficult for them to follow a disciplined dental care routine. This makes it vital for them to take time out to reflect on their issues and the way they want to lead their lives, which will allow them to refocus on their everyday tasks with renewed energy. There are also strong positive correlations between depression and diets that are unhealthy - including skipping visits to their dentist.

It is also well established that stress has a physiological impact on the body. It causes cortisol, the stress hormone, to fluctuate, which in turn weakens the immune system making it easier for harmful bacteria to infect the gums and cause them to become inflamed and painful. It is also possible for patients with depression and stress to suffer from dry mouth due to the anti-anxiety medicines and antidepressants they may have been prescribed. When the mouth is dry, it means that adequate saliva is not being produced to clear away the food particles left behind after eating, which in turn, causes dental health to deteriorate. It has also been observed that people suffering from severe anxiety sometimes develop canker sores and are prone to teeth grinding, both of which are not good for maintaining good dental health. Teeth grinding may cause permanent wearing down of the molars and also damage the protective enamel irreparably. 

Caring For Your Teeth

Even though it is accepted that those suffering from anxiety, stress, and depression can have difficulty maintaining a regular and proper dental health routine, it is vital to do so to keep the teeth and gums in good health. You should aim to brush your teeth at least twice a day, preferably after meals and floss once daily. Using mouthwash to remove food debris and kill oral bacteria is a good practice. Setting alarms in the morning and evening for reminding yourself to brush may be helpful if you are inclined to be forgetful. According to https://thechart.blogs.cnn.com, oral or dental irregularities can signal a broad range of health problems.

Conclusion 

Not only the mind but also the body can be severely impacted by poor mental health. Anxiety, stress, and depression can negatively affect oral health and lead to the onset of tooth decay and gum disease. It thus becomes vital for those suffering from mental issues to ensure that they maintain good oral health. 

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Written By:
Mandy Bular is a freelance writer and blogger associated with many industries. She has written on various categories such as travel, lifestyle, and health.

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Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.