People living with mental disorders frequently suffer from poor oral health due to anxiety and dental phobia, unhealthy eating habits, heavy consumption of sugary beverages and substance misuse such as tobacco, alcohol or psychostimulants; adverse orofacial side effects from antipsychotic and antidepressant medication use as well as financial, geographic and social barriers that prevent access to oral healthcare services.
As regular dental examinations can help detect early symptoms of disease, similar strategies could also support positive mental health. It is important that people have access to Affordable Care Act approved mental and dental health care. The main elements for a prosperous, healthier future include improving overall oral health status, educating on preventative techniques to enhance one’s oral health, and raising awareness about the significance of taking into account both mental and dental health.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay is a painful dental issue that often leads to discomfort. This problem arises when plaque builds up on teeth, with bacteria attacking and wearing away at enamel and producing acids which dissolve it further, leaving holes (cavities). Over time this can progress into gum disease or abscesses in the pulp of the tooth which further worsen the problem.
Avoid sugary snacks and drinks, brush at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and visit the dentist regularly so he/she can identify problems early and address them before they worsen. In case cavities do form, dental professionals can repair them using fillings or crowns; or in severe cases remove damaged pulp and treat any infection with antibiotics.
Gum disease
Gum disease can lead to red, swollen and bleeding gums – and in extreme cases even loose teeth – in people of all ages, but particularly those living with mental illness are at higher risk of gum disease and tooth decay due to poor hygiene habits such as clenching/grinding of their teeth which contributes to gum disease and tooth decay. Untreated gum disease has the potential for serious health implications including heart attacks and stroke, while not attending dental exams is more likely than those without mental illness to skip dental exams as they self medicate using alcohol/drugs while engaging in unhealthy diets/diets while using poor hygiene practices like clenching/grinding their teeth which contributes to gum disease and tooth decay.
Some diseases, like diabetes, can adversely impact gums. Certain medications may reduce saliva production or flow and allow more bacteria to flourish; in addition, a diet rich in sugary snacks and processed foods may impede gums from fighting infections efficiently; drinking plenty of water and eating foods rich in vitamin C will support good oral health.
Tooth loss
Tooth loss, or edentulism, can have severe negative repercussions for mental health – such as social anxiety and low self-image – while leading to serious medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, malnutrition and osteoporosis.
Individuals suffering from severe mental health conditions have an increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease and missing teeth due to their decreased likelihood of brushing or flossing regularly – this may also be caused by medication side effects that lead to dry mouth causing halitosis and bad breath – potentially increasing this risk further.
Some individuals suffering from mental health conditions also fear visiting the dentist, which can jeopardize their oral hygiene. Luckily, Smile Generation-trusted dentists are dedicated to connecting their patients with mental health clinicians for optimal wellness care.
Headaches
Headaches may range from dull, continuous discomfort to an intense sensation that makes light and sound sensitive, yet could also indicate an underlying disease or health condition.
Food or drinks such as alcohol and caffeine may trigger headaches, while certain perfumes, colognes and shampoos with strong scents such as perfumes can worsen them further. Also, sudden weather changes may bring on migraine headaches for those more prone to them.
Sometimes headaches can be due to eye problems, TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) and neck muscle tension. A dentist can examine for these conditions and provide treatment accordingly.
Depression
Depression is more than a passing mood and lasts weeks or months, impacting daily functioning by leading to loss of interest in activities, difficulty with thinking or concentration, changes in appetite or sleeping patterns and feelings of hopelessness or guilt – these may all increase with prolonged depression.
Depression can make it difficult to maintain a regular dental care schedule, leading to missed appointments and worsening oral health. If you find yourself depressed, speak to your healthcare provider immediately about seeking treatment; or join a clinical trial that could uncover new therapies for depression. Dental implants can be an effective means of restoring oral health and improving overall wellbeing. Knowing all you need to know about dental implants is important. Before deciding to have dental implants, it’s crucial to weigh the risks and advantages with an implant dentist who specializes in your particular case. Many patients can benefit from their dental implants and the enhanced oral health they provide for years after receiving them with the right maintenance.
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I’m Iskra Banović, editor of Blufashion and the voice behind its fashion, beauty, and lifestyle stories. Fashion, beauty, and lifestyle are my playground, but I’m just as likely to share the messy side of it all, like the time I tested a “must-have” skincare gadget and ended up with glitter stuck in my hair. I love turning trends and everyday finds into something useful (and fun) for real people.
