Exploring the Curious Link Between Gum Disease and Mental Health

When most people think about issues that can affect their smile, cavities come to mind first; however, gum disease is arguably just as problematic. In fact, research estimates that over half of all US adults over the age of 30 have some form of this condition. What’s worse is that untreated gum disease doesn’t just impact your oral health – it has the potential to negatively affect other parts of you, including even your mental health! Here’s what you need to know and how to protect your smile.

How Mental Health & Dental Wellness Are Linked

Our mental health has to do with our emotional well-being, so it might not seem immediately obvious how our gums can have an impact on our feelings. However, science says otherwise, and there are a few key reasons as to how they’re closely linked:

• People struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues may find it harder to maintain daily routines, including brushing and flossing. This opens the door for gum disease to run rampant.
• Gum disease and mental health disorders often involve chronic inflammation. When your gums are inflamed, or if you’re suffering from depression or anxiety, your body can release similar inflammation markers, which in turn can impact brain function.
• Certain medications used to treat anxiety or depression might cause dry mouth, which in turn can reduce saliva flow and heighten the chances of bad bacteria causing issues like gum disease.

Tips for Managing Your Dental & Mental Health

It’s sort of a two-way street; while mental health issues can contribute to gum disease, leaving the issue untreated can also impact your self-esteem, confidence, and overall livelihood, especially if it leads to tooth loss or other health issues. Whether you’re dealing with mental health issues, oral health problems, or a combination of both, taking a proactive approach and making certain lifestyle changes can be impactful. Consider the following:

• Do your best to stick to your daily hygiene routines, including brushing and flossing in the morning and before bed.
• Stay hydrated; it’s easy to neglect drinking water when you aren’t feeling yourself. Plus, it can combat the dry mouth caused by certain medications.
• Don’t skip routine dental visits; your provider is your biggest ally in monitoring your gum health and preventing gum disease from progressing.
• Talk with your healthcare providers if you’re going through specific and debilitating mental challenges; they can help coordinate care and offer other tips for making things like oral hygiene more manageable.  

Your mental health and oral health are deeply connected, meaning that if you’re dealing with problems affecting one, the other could be impacted, too. Don’t neglect either – a healthier smile can be one small but powerful part of feeling better!

About the Author

Dr. Justin Braga and his talented team have served the needs of patients and families in Huntington Beach and the surrounding area for several years. The office proudly offers a wide range of services, including periodontal therapy for patients with gum disease that detracts from their overall quality of life. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the team to schedule an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information. Telephone: (714) 587-9094.