Have you ever considered a possible relationship between good oral health and your mental health? It may seem like a strange comparison to make, but there is a link between the two. Healthy teeth and gums are directly related to your mental health, so a mouth and body connection exists.
Basically, it works both ways; you may be nervous about going to the dentist because you had a bad experience or have always been scared to go to the dentist (dentophobia), which can cause anxiety and stress (mental illness). The other side is that mental illness makes you much more likely to lose your teeth from tooth decay and gum disease.
How Does Oral Health Affect Mental Health?
If your oral health is compromised, your mental health can suffer; you might feel ashamed of how your teeth look or embarrassed to be in social situations. This might cause you to no longer socialize, which can result in the following:
- Lower self-esteem – Because we all want to look our best, poor oral health can make you think less of yourself and lead to mental health concerns.
- Anxiety – When you have gum disease or other oral health concerns, you may feel anxious about being around others, which may cause you to turn inward even more.
- Depression – If you are isolated from others, this may increase existing depressive symptoms. In addition, there is a direct link between gum disease and feelings of depression.
How Does Mental Health Affect Oral Health?
Conversely, your mental health can suffer because of poor oral health in the following ways:
- Neglecting oral care – If you are depressed, you may lose interest in caring for your teeth.
- Diet – If you have mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, you may rely too heavily on snack foods that are not good for your teeth.
- Substance abuse – People with mental health issues are more likely to use drugs and alcohol, causing gum disease and other oral health issues.
- Avoiding the dentist – You may be less likely to go to the dentist if you suffer from dentophobia or depression.
Are You Considering Invisible Braces in St. Cloud, FL?
When you search for an "emergency dentist near me" or "cosmetic dentistry in St. Cloud, FL," consider calling Modern Dentistry of St. Cloud. Our team is ready to assist with all your dental needs.
You can reach our office at (321) 805-3888. Trust us as your reliable dentist 34772 area for comprehensive dental care.