If You Struggle with Depression, Your Teeth May Show It
In recent years, scientific research has discovered a close link between oral and overall health. There are many conditions we can identify during a visual examination of your oral cavity, even if you don’t know you suffer from them. This includes mental health problems such as depression.
Recent studies suggest that depression conclude depression is closely related to poor oral health. In this article, we’ll discuss the link between your oral health and depression and what you can do to improve your mental and physical health.
Signs of Depression in Your Oral Health
When people are depressed, they lose interest in everyday activities, and in many cases, they stop taking care of themselves, including neglecting their oral health.
Not brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once daily can be extremely detrimental to your mouth and set the stage for serious dental conditions. Depression may also cause people to skip dentist visits, have unhealthy diets, and self-medicate with smoking.
Your teeth will also suffer when you struggle with depression or other emotional conditions. Some signs of depression that will show in your teeth are:
General dental neglect.
People suffering from depression are less likely to take care of their teeth, which leads to a decrease in dental hygiene. This can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and other problems.
If you stop brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, you may have more cavities than usual, and your gums may be tender or swollen without the stimulation from brushing.
Dental neglect can also lead to gum disease, an infection of the gums that can cause tooth loss.
Periodontal disease.
There is a close connection between depression and periodontal disease. Depression can affect your oral health through the salivary glands. When the production of saliva is restricted, you can have a dry mouth, which results in a higher risk for tooth decay.
Many patients with periodontal disease also have depression, and it’s thought that the inflammation caused by periodontitis may play a role in developing depressive symptoms.
Oral pain.
Many people with recurrent pain from conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) also suffer from depression. According to scientific studies, there is a clear connection between pain and depression.
Dry Mouth
Another sign that may point to depression is dry mouth. When you have a dry mouth, it’s difficult to produce saliva, which can lead to several problems, such as:
- Difficulty eating and speaking
- Cracked lips
- Burning sensation in the mouth
- Bad breath
- Increased risk for cavities and gum disease
Dry mouth is often a side effect of some antidepressants. If you’re taking medication for depression and experience dry mouth, be sure to tell your dentist or doctor. They may be able to prescribe a different medication that doesn’t cause this side effect.
Keeping your regular checkups will let us identify any potential problems that may develop in the future. If you struggle with depression, your teeth may show it at different levels. In general, the health of your mouth will suffer from the effects of depression.
Luckily, when depression or anxiety takes a toll on oral health, there are ways to fight back. The simplest step to maintaining oral health is brushing twice daily and flossing daily. Keeping up these basic oral health habits can go a long way to keeping your mouth in tip-top shape.
In addition, eat a healthy diet and avoid sugary drinks. Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. And, if you’re a smoker, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your oral—and overall—health.
What can I do to improve my oral health if I am depressed?
The first step is to seek professional help if you think you may be suffering from depression. Once you have a diagnosis, there are many ways to treat depression, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
If you are currently being treated for depression, you can take steps to improve your oral health. First, make sure you are brushing and flossing regularly. It would help if you also visited your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Eating a healthy diet and avoiding sugary drinks can also help improve your oral health. And, if you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your oral—and overall—health.
Another important step is to keep up with your regular dental appointments. Your dentist can help identify any potential problems that may develop in the future and offer guidance on how to best care for your teeth.
If you struggle with depression, your teeth may show it. But by improving your oral health, you can help protect your teeth and overall health in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some frequently asked questions that may help you better understand the connection between depression and oral health:
How does depression affect your oral health?
Depression can cause several problems for oral health, including dry mouth, gum disease, and tooth decay. You might not feel like taking care of your teeth when you’re depressed, which can worsen these problems.
How does mental health affect oral health?
There is a difference between mental and oral health, but they are connected. Mental health refers to your emotional and psychological well-being, while oral health refers to the health of your mouth. However, mental health can affect oral health in several ways.
For example, people who struggle with depression may neglect their oral hygiene. This can lead to an increase in plaque and bacteria in the mouth, which can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
Depression can also lead to dry mouth and a decrease in saliva production. This can make it difficult to swallow, which can lead to mouth sores. In addition, people who are depressed may be more likely to smoke, which can also hurt oral health.
Can Dentists tell if you have depression?
Dentists are trained to look for signs of depression, but they are not mental health professionals. However, some telltale signs may indicate that a person is struggling with depression.
For example, people who are depressed may have trouble taking care of their teeth. They may neglect to brush and floss regularly.
Can depression mess up your teeth?
Depression can cause several problems for oral health, including dry mouth, gum disease, and tooth decay. You might not feel like taking care of your teeth when you’re depressed, which can worsen these problems.