Dental and mental health issues are typically given less attention in public health initiatives as if they were less genuine or less important than other disorders. However, recent research has connected dental health to practically every other facet of physical wellness. Dementia, heart disease, and stroke are all in this category. There is a complex interplay between mental and dental health, as there is between many other aspects of health, and for which you need to get the help of the dentists at north cypress.
The relationship between mental health and oral health.
Problems with oral health are more common in those with mental health issues than in the general population. Tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss are all possibilities.
Researchers in the field of public health have narrowed the causes down to four basic factors.
Dental health can be negatively impacted by mental illness.
Poor oral hygiene and mental health are linked most straightforwardly, and this is also the most typical explanation.
Why? For the reason that even the most frequent and mild forms of mental disease can drain your strength and drive. Anhedonia is a prevalent sign of mental health issues such as sadness, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
People with severe anhedonia may stop taking care of themselves to the point where they may skip “non-essential” appointments (such as dental checkups) or forget to brush their teeth.
Those with attention disorders like ADD or ADHD are similarly affected. These illnesses make it difficult to keep track of daily activities and responsibilities. Their daily dental care regimen is also hampered by their inclination to hyperfocus on a single task or lose all sight of time.
Medication side effects might negatively impact oral health.
Many persons with mental health issues can lead normal, fulfilling lives with the help of appropriate medication. Oral health is another area that psychiatric medications might adversely compromise.
Common negative effects of antidepressants and mood stabilizers include the following three:
- Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. This is a common adverse reaction to numerous antidepressants, including the ever-present fluoxetine (Prozac) and venlafaxine (Effexor). Chronic dry mouth is not dangerous in and of itself, but it can increase the likelihood of developing gingivitis.
- Teeth grinding or bruxism. Some antidepressants, anxiety pills, and ocd drugs can induce this, though it is not very common. Using a mouth guard is a great way to protect your teeth from injury.
- The syndrome of a burning mouth, or BMS. A more serious, but thankfully uncommon, side effect of antidepressants, antipsychotics, and sleep aids. BMS causes a sensation similar to that caused by eating a hot pepper, particularly on the lips, interior of the mouth, tongue, and palate.
