It’s natural to assume that depression only affects the mind, but the reality is that it does more than that. Your body and smile also suffer, resulting in additional problems that require professional treatment. But how are depression and oral health connected? Read on to discover how mental illness and your smile are linked and what you can do to improve your overall well-being.
How Can Depression Cause Oral Health Problems?
When you consider how depression affects the brain, it often causes people to distance themselves from others as well as from daily routines that were once strictly followed. The desire to engage and even function (get out of bed) can be increasingly difficult without professional care. As a result, the toll this mental illness takes begins to impact more than just the mind but also the mouth.
Here’s how:
- A person’s diet is unlikely to include home-cooked meals that are rich in nutrients. Instead, comfort foods that are often full of sugars and carbohydrates are likely to dominate, resulting in an increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
- A person’s lack of motivation can lead to neglected oral hygiene that results in accumulated plaque and tartar that can cause decay, cavities, gum disease, and infection.
- A person’s inability to seek professional care can result in missed dental appointments that can help identify early signs of common oral health problems.
What Can You Do to Improve Your Overall Well-Being?
Treating depression requires time and effort, as there is no overnight quick fix. Instead, realizing that you might need help from a trustworthy, qualified professional is essential. Not only do counseling, medication, or other similar practices help reduce symptoms, but they can also affect your oral health.
While addressing your depression, you should also take steps to improve your smile. You can do this by:
- Adopting a smile-friendly oral hygiene routine that includes brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes, flossing daily, and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash as instructed.
- Keeping your six-month dental checkups and cleanings with your dentist.
- Eating a nutrient-rich diet that consists of foods that boost mental, physical, and oral health (i.e., leafy greens, lean proteins, dairy, fresh fruits and vegetables, etc.).
- Giving up unhealthy habits, such as smoking or grinding your teeth.
You don’t have to let depression control your life. By committing to treatment and improving your mental well-being, you can also see the positive effects reflected in your smile.
About the Practice
At Universal Dental Group, our dentists provide preventive dental care in a safe, modern, and comfortable environment. As a one-stop shop for comprehensive services, we can help reduce the risk of serious oral health problems and recommend additional solutions to help you maintain your overall well-being. Regardless of the mental, physical, or emotional issues you may be facing, we invite you to visit our website or call (508) 753-1911 to schedule an appointment.