Depression and Oral Health

Everyone has a bad day here and there, but when you have depression, your down state of mind can be overwhelming and make you unable to do even the most basic tasks. This struggle, unfortunately, affects people worldwide. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 19.4 million adults had at least one major depressive episode this past year in the United States alone. This number represents 7.8 percent of the American adult population.

Along with depression comes a host of other problems, including oral issues like cavities and gum disease. In this post, you’ll learn about how these are linked to each other and what you can do to keep smiling.

The Connection Between Depression and Oral Health

Although more research is needed, some studies suggest that depression is linked to decreased saliva flow, which in itself is dangerous for your smile. But the connection doesn’t end there. In treating depression, some medications can have unfavorable side effects. Namely, some medications can cause dry mouth, which creates a perfect environment for bacterial growth.

Unfortunately, many people who are in a depressive state crave carbs and sugar, which are not just bad for blood sugar control but also dental health. These foods fuel harmful bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities and gum disease. As a result, by overindulging in these unhealthy foods and not consuming enough fruits and vegetables, those with major depression can increase their risk of decay and infection in the mouth.

In addition, a common symptom of depression is apathy and neglect of self-care, which includes oral hygiene. Motivation to maintain the daily habits of brushing and flossing is often low, allowing acid-producing bacteria to wreak havoc on your teeth and gums.

How to Protect Your Smile

Your mental and oral health are undoubtedly connected, and when you improve one, you’re likely to see improvement in the other as well. Here are some simple ways you can overcome depression and the issues that often come with it.

Take Care of Yourself

If you are going through a depressive episode, try to practice self-care every day, including the basics like bathing, brushing and flossing your teeth, getting dressed, etc. It may feel as though it requires a lot of energy, but doing these little things can help you feel better about yourself and help you avoid problems later on.

Physical activity is another important, natural way to boost both your mental and oral health. By staying active, you can improve brain function, and being outside exposes you to Vitamin D, which promotes better mood and assists with a healthy mouth.

Although it can be difficult in depression, do your best to eat a healthy diet. Nutritious fruits, vegetables, and other foods will provide your body with the necessary nutrients to fight off infection and function optimally. Try to limit your sugar and carbohydrate consumption so that you can more easily regulate the bacterial growth in your mouth as well as regulate your mood.

See a Professional

Make sure you’re visiting with a dentist like me at least two times per year for checkups and cleanings. Let us know what medications you’re taking and what issues you are having. We can recommend products that may help, such as mouthwash made to address dry mouth, and suggest tips for staying motivated in oral care at home. Additionally, you should talk to a mental health professional, therapist, or physician, who can work with you on the underlying issues behind your depression.

In the end, depression is a complex and widespread problem. However, if you experience this mental health issue, you don’t have to needlessly suffer with oral health problems as well. By understanding the relationship and taking action, you can preserve your smile through the good times and the bad.