The link between mental and oral health
Those with mental health struggles are more likely to neglect their oral hygiene, increasing their chances of gum disease and tooth decay. People with eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa, are also likely to experience high rates of acidic erosion of the tooth surface (enamel) with frequent exposure to stomach acid. Suffering from mental health problems may also make visiting the dentist more difficult, increasing the time between appointments and negatively impacting oral health. In addition, some medications are associated with dry mouth, which further increases the risk of dental problems.
The opposite is true as well, with oral hygiene behaviours having an impact on mental wellbeing. For example, dental health concerns can reduce quality of life and self-confidence. There is also evidence to show that poor oral health can increase the risk of developing dementia, with gum disease and tooth loss being particularly important to avoid.i
Mental maintenance
Where a mental disorder has been diagnosed, it is important to follow medical advice regarding medication or therapy for the improvement and maintenance of mental wellbeing. But there are also smaller steps that can help enhance mental resilience for everyone. Given that we celebrate World Mental Health Day on the 10th of October this year, this is the perfect opportunity to share some top tips…
Talk about it
Perhaps the most important thing to do is to talk about it if you are experiencing mental health struggles. Sharing your problem with a friend or seeking professional support can make a huge difference.
Reframe unhelpful thoughts
Whether talking it out with someone or working through it alone, trying to think about problems differently can make them seem more manageable.
Get good sleep
Quality sleep can enhance mental and physical health for us all.
Eat a balanced diet
Good nutrition is essential for a functional mind and body.
Get active and get outdoors
Regular exercise has been shown to improve mental health and resilience. If you can combine this with getting outdoors, evidence shows that this can further boost immune system and cognitive health.
Take some ‘me’ time
It’s crucial to take some time for activities you enjoy doing, whether that’s on your own or with friends or family. Learning a new skill or taking up a new hobby can be a great idea too.
The NHS offers some useful further resources here.
Dental health support
If you are experiencing or have experienced mental health challenges and are worried about the impact on your oral health, we can help at Rodericks Dental Partners.
Our practice teams can provide guidance on how to minimise the risk of harm to your teeth and gums, no matter what you’re going through. They can also provide care to restore your smile if your teeth or gums have been damaged in the past. We provide dentistry via NHS and private services, with payment plans available to meet every need, every budget and every preference. Find out more by contacting us today.
Reference: Beydoun M, et al. Clinical and bacterial markers of periodontitis and their association with incident all-cause and Alzheimer's disease dementia in a large national survey. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. 2020;75(1):157-172. doi: 10.3233/JAD-200064.
