{"id":28,"date":"2022-09-14T18:28:03","date_gmt":"2022-09-14T18:28:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.disabilitydental.com\/blog\/?p=28"},"modified":"2023-02-05T18:44:00","modified_gmt":"2023-02-05T18:44:00","slug":"mental-health-issues-impact-your-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.disabilitydental.com\/blog\/2022\/09\/14\/mental-health-issues-impact-your-oral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"How Mental Health Issues Impact Your Oral Health"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"patient<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Depression can affect many aspects of your life. Those suffering from depression may have a lot of trouble going to work, school, or social events. They may also struggle with adequately caring for themselves, and this extends to their smiles. Though the impacts of depression on your state of mind is a popular discussion topic, not many people know how it can harm your oral health. Continue reading to learn how mental health impacts your oral health and how you can better care for your smile<\/a> while getting the help you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Depression & Oral Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Depression often makes people feel less motivated to attend to their health needs, including their smiles. Practicing basic oral health and hygiene can feel like an impossible task, and the same goes for attending regular dental visits. As a result, cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues are more likely to develop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The journal Nature Communications<\/em> performed a 2019 study on this topic and found that there may be a connection between depressive symptoms and the mouth. This means mental health and oral health may have a direct connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other studies have backed this discovery, including one by the University of Washington\u2019s dental education program. They found that depression may cause a decrease in one\u2019s salivary flow, which can lead to dry mouth and a higher risk of oral health problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3 Other Oral Health Risks Associated with Mental Health Issues<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While depression can cause patients to not take care of their smiles as well as they should, it isn\u2019t the only thing you need to be concerned about. Some other ways that mental health issues impact your oral health include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n