7 Ways Mental Diseases can Contribute to Poor Oral Health

Most of us don’t associate oral health with physical and mental health.

However, research shows a link between dental and mental health and that one might directly affect the other.

While additional study is required to comprehend these connections properly, we are advised to be aware of mental and oral health connections so that you can collaborate with the health care professionals if any difficulties may occur.

7 Impacts of oral health on mental health

Your oral health and mental wellness are more strongly linked than you may know. People who are afflicted with mental diseases are less likely to take care of their physical and dental health.

Mental diseases can contribute to poor oral health in the following ways:

1. Neglecting oral hygiene can lead to poor dental hygiene, gum disease, and tooth decay.
2. Abuse of alcohol, cigarettes and other drugs are more common, leading to tooth erosion and decay.
3. Eating disorders– people with mental illnesses like bulimia, for example, are prone to dental erosion. When the acidity of vomit affects the enamel of the teeth, this occurs, and inadequate amounts of calcium can also harm the health of your pearls.
4. Forceful brushing is a common symptom of bipolar affective disorder, and it can harm gums and cause tooth abrasion, mucosal lacerations, or gingival lacerations.
5. Dental anxiety is suffered by many people; as a result, they stop going to the dentist regularly. Oral health suffers as a result of infrequent dental checkups.
6. You might be more sensitive to pain due to anxiety and despair. As a result, you may develop a fear of going to the dentist because of this.
7. Dry mouth and risk oforal bacterial infections might be the side effects of antipsychotic, antidepressant, and mood stabilizer medicines.

What can you do to avoid this from happening?

Anxious and depressed individuals may find it challenging to care for their teeth, yet everyone must practice good dental hygiene.

Here are some ways for improving your mental health, which can contribute to better dental health:

Managing your mental health

You may strengthen your mental health and well-being by taking active measures such as:

• Maintain an active lifestyle — frequent and consistent exercise can improve your self-esteem and your ability to focus and sleep.
• Make sure you’re honouring your emotions by talking about them. It’s not helpful to keep strong feelings bottled up.
• Drink responsibly and in moderation. Ensure that you drink enough water. If you realize that alcohol harms your mood, don’t drink it.
• See your doctor if you are experiencing mental health issues.

Oral health preventive care

• Brush and floss your teeth every day.
• Use a mouthwash that eliminates hazardous germs while also rinsing away stuck debris.
• Stop smoking.
• Reducing or quitting alcohol consumption relieves the sensation of despair.
• Cut off your consumption of sugary foods and drinks.
• Consume a nutritious, well-balanced diet.
• Visit your Cheltenham dentist regularly or as frequently as recommended. Make a reminder or an alarm if you have trouble remembering dental visits or cleaning your teeth.

Oral hygiene is affected by mental health, leading to tooth decay or gum disease. Regular dental exams and good oral hygiene are vital for your mental health.

You may take control of your oral health by adopting a healthy lifestyle and making it a habit to see your dentist regularly.

Oral Health in Cheltenham

Your health is critical, and your dentist is one of the key components of your care. Maintaining good dental health requires a healthy habit. Just as poor general health can harm oral health, excellent physical and mental health can aid in the maintenance of good dental health.

Call us on (03) 9553 1249 or book your appointment online for more information.

You can also visit us at 36 Chesterville Road in Cheltenham.