How Is Oral And Mental Health Intertwined?
Despite the fact that today’s society is heavily reliant on technology and advances, the quality of our lives is not satisfactory. Our modern lifestyles are becoming increasingly stressful as the human mind evolves. A calibrated degree of stress may keep you motivated psychologically.
But did you know there’s a two-way link between your mental and oral health? Many individuals know that long-term stress causes depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. On the other hand, excessive stress is the cause of many of our health problems, including dental health difficulties.
Smiling Improves Your Health
It’s helpful for your mental health to show off your beautiful whites. According to studies, the “feel good” chemicals dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin are released every time you smile.
It can genuinely reduce tension and lower heart rate and blood pressure. It’s also contagious.
Healthy Teeth, Healthy Mind
Your mouth’s health is a mirror of your overall health; that’s why teeth that are clean equal to a healthy mind.
Mental and dental health are still inextricably linked. Poor dental hygiene practices, dentist fears, and increased tooth decay are symptoms of poor mental health, such as self-neglect and persistent worry.
Caffeine, cigarette, and alcohol consumption are all linked to depression, contributing to tooth decay and erosion.
Antipsychotic, antidepressant, and mood stabilizer side effects (such as the dry mouth) render users more vulnerable to oral illness.
Because of the cumulative effect of these hazards, patients with mental illnesses are 2.8 times more likely to have had all of their teeth extracted.
Those with poor dental health or hygiene also have reduced self-esteem, self-worth, and social anxiety.
How do you look after your teeth?
Individuals who appear to be depressed or have mental difficulties frequently fail to pay enough attention to these features.
To keep oral bacteria at bay, brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. It’s also important to visit the dentist for oral consultations every six months to properly diagnose you.
The longer you ignore your oral health, the worse your dental problems will develop, perhaps making treatment impossible.
Healthy Mind, Healthy Teeth
Mental illness can cause various problems in the mouth, including problems with the teeth and gums or an increased chance of developing dental problems.
Similarly, our oral health may impact our mental health, but the opposite is true. The consequences of mental health on the mouth, gums, and teeth are as follows:
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Missed dental appointments
- Erosion of the enamel
- Dry mouth
Dental Care and Mental Health
If you have a mental illness, there are a few things you can do to keep your oral hygiene and avoid dental problems by protecting your mouth, teeth, and gums:
- Brush and floss daily
- Maintain a healthy activity and exercise routine.
- Reduce or quit smoking and alcohol consumption
- Cut back on sugary foods and drinks.
- Visit your Main Beach dentist regularly.
- Make sure that your body has a proper balance of vitamins and minerals.
- See your doctor if you’re having trouble with your mental health.
Frequent dental visits are essential to maintain healthy teeth. Caring for your teeth and gums may enhance your mental health and vice versa.
Maintain important self-care routines while minimizing stress to avoid recurrent dental complications related to mental illness.
Main Beach Dental Oral Health Care
Preventive dental appointments are excellent for maintaining the health of your teeth. If you need comprehensive dental health care, visit Main Beach Dental today.
At Main Beach Dental, your dental service satisfaction is our priority.
FREE Dental Consultation
- Dental Check-up
- Smile Makeover
- Implant Dentistry
Call us on (07) 5503 1177, or you can visit us at 11/26-30 Tedder Ave in Main Beach.