Mind, Mood, & Mouth: How Mental Health Affects Your Smile

When it comes to your overall well-being, your mental and oral health may seem like two different faucets that don’t interact. However, you may be surprised to learn that they may be linked in more ways than you initially thought. Conditions like depression, anxiety, and chronic stress can have an impact on your gums and teeth. Here’s a bit more on how and ways you can protect your smile.

Mental Health and Oral Hygiene

If someone is dealing with depression or anxiety, then routine habits can start to seem more overwhelming and daunting. Brushing and flossing are no exception, as they can be harder to keep up with when you aren’t feeling your best. Even stress can have an impact, as you may grind or clench your teeth because of it.

By skipping your oral hygiene, plaque will have the chance to build up. You may find yourself at a higher risk of dental problems like cavities and gum disease. Also, you may wear down your enamel faster, leading to jaw pain or even damage.

Your Eating Habits During Mental Health Struggles

Your diet can also be affected by your mental health struggles. Some people may find themselves eating sugary foods more, increasing snacking, or skipping meals entirely! The first two can expose your teeth to sugar, which can lead to decay. The last one can prevent your body from getting the necessary vitamins it needs to stay healthy, so your immune system might have trouble fighting back against infection.

The Impact of Chronic Stress

Chronic stress can also make it harder for your body to fight back against bacteria that can cause inflammation in the pink soft tissues in your mouth. Your immune system may have a slower response, so you may be more likely to develop gum disease because of it.

How Can I Support Your Oral and Mental Health?

Taking care of both your oral and mental health may seem like a hard task, but you can start by learning some handy tips. To help you get going, here are some things you can consider trying out:

• Keep your oral hygiene simple, set reminders, and have your preferred dental tools handy so you can feel a bit better about brushing and flossing.
• If you are stressed, consider exercise, meditation, and hobbies to help give yourself a break and calm down from what is on your mind. You can talk to your dentist about teeth grinding and get a nightguard to protect your smile.
• Talk to a professional or friends and family so you can vent your feelings and worries.
• Visit your provider for cleanings and checkups. They will be able to catch oral health issues before they become a big problem and give you quick treatment for them.

About the Author

Dr. Darrick Castleberry earned his dental degree from the Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry.  He is happy to help the Houston community get the high-quality dental care they deserve through preventive services. By being proactive about your grin, Dr. Castleberry can see the early warning signs of dental problems and solve them using state-of-the-art technology. If it’s time for your next semi-annual visit, schedule an appointment or call his office at (281) 971-3440.