Our mental health and oral health are closely connected. Problems with one can affect the other. In this news article, as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, we explore these links in more detail.
From increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease to tooth wear and jaw pain, mental ill health can affect our oral health.
How does your mental health affect your mouth?
Feeling low or struggling with depression can make it harder to keep up with brushing our teeth twice a day, and we might find ourselves reaching for sugary snacks more often. This can lead to more tooth decay or gum problems.
It can be common to feel anxious or stressed about going to the dentist, but if our mental health is poor, even routine appointments can feel overwhelming. We might avoid visits or let our self-care slide. Stress and anxiety can also cause us to clench our jaw or grind our teeth, especially at night, which can leave us feeling sore and might eventually wear our teeth down.
Eating disorders can put our teeth at risk. Repeated vomiting exposes them to stomach acid, which gradually wears away the protective enamel. This makes our teeth weaker, more sensitive, and more likely to develop decay.
Some medicines can dry out our mouth, making it uncomfortable and raising the risk of dental problems. GPs or dentists can suggest things like saliva substitutes, sugar-free chewing gum, or possibly switching medication. Simple tips like sipping water regularly, avoiding sugary foods and drinks, and using fluoride products can help keep our teeth healthy.
If we are dealing with substance dependency, our oral health might need a bit of extra attention. In addition to the increased risk of mouth cancers linked to smoking and alcohol use, substance use can dry out our mouth, can make us crave sugary snacks, or leave us less motivated to brush and floss. Dental appointments can seem daunting, but dentists are there to support, not judge. Letting them know what’s going on, means they can offer extra appointments, tailored oral care advice, and practical ways to manage dry mouth and protect our teeth.
How does your oral health affect your mental health?
We often overlook how our oral health can influence our overall wellbeing, particularly when it comes to our mental health. The condition of our teeth and mouth can have a significant impact on how we feel about ourselves and our ability to interact with others. Problems such as mouth infections and poor nutrition can further complicate this relationship, making us more vulnerable to both physical discomfort and emotional distress.
Our smile is frequently one of the first things people notice about us. If we feel self-conscious about the appearance of our mouth, or if we have difficulties eating or speaking because of dental issues, we might begin to withdraw from social situations. This can be due to a drop in self-esteem or confidence, making us less likely to engage with others and potentially leading to feelings of isolation.
Experiencing pain or having missing teeth can make everyday activities such as socialising, eating, or speaking more challenging. These difficulties may increase our stress and anxiety levels, and can contribute to a lower mood, further affecting our mental wellbeing. Mouth infections - such as gum disease or tooth abscesses - can cause persistent discomfort and limit our ability to eat nutritious foods, which in turn can impact our overall health and mood.
Nutrition is an important factor in oral and mental health. When dental problems make it hard to eat a balanced diet, we may miss out on vital nutrients that help regulate our mood and energy levels. Poor oral health can lead to a preference for soft, processed foods that are low in nutritional value, potentially worsening both our physical and mental state.
Medications prescribed for various health conditions, including those for mental health, can also influence oral wellbeing. Some medications reduce saliva production, causing dry mouth and increasing the risk of dental decay and infections. These oral side effects may add to the burden of managing day-to-day health, making it even harder to feel confident and comfortable in social settings.
You are not alone
If you experience any of these challenges, help is available.
Help is available locally from: Mental Health - Healthy Shetland
What you can do at home to protect both your oral health and mental health:
- Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Reduce how often you have sugary snacks and drinks – keep these to mealtimes only
- Drink plain water regularly, especially if you experience a dry mouth
- If you smoke, help with stopping is available from Quit Your Way - Shetland
- Speak to your GP, Practice Nurse, Dentist or Dental Care Professional
For further information or resources on oral health, or for dealing with anxiety and dental attendance for all ages, please contact the Childsmile and Oral Health Improvement Team on 01595 743237/ 743692 or email angela.hopwood@nhs.scot