Everything in your body is connected, so is it any wonder that dental health is important for your mental health? Dental health and mental health tend to have a cyclical relationship. When your dental health is lacking, your mental health can suffer, and if your mental health isn’t great, your dental health can take a hit. Given that both dental care and mental health treatment can be harder for people to access than other forms of healthcare, as well as the fact that many people, even those without mental health issues, can experience dental phobia, and it’s no wonder that it can be challenging for people to get the help that they need.
Here at Avenues Dental, we understand that cost can be an issue for many people when it comes to obtaining dental care. We also know that taking care of your dental health is absolutely critical, both because dental health is important for your mental health, and because it is important in general. That’s why we provide financing options and are always open with our patients about the costs of their treatments, to ensure that no one is shocked by their bill and to help each and every one of our patients be able to obtain the dental care they need. Your dental health is important for your mental health, and we can help.
Can Dental Health Impact Your Mental Health?
Your dental health is important for your mental health because if your dental health starts to decline, this can result in worsened mental health. People can feel embarrassed about having dental problems, which can lead to a decreased quality of life, worsened self-esteem, social anxiety, and more. When your dental health suffers, your mental health can suffer too. Since your dental health is important for your mental health, you want to do what you can to keep it in good condition.
How Mental Health Can Impact Your Dental Health
Just like dental health is important for your mental health, so too is your mental health for your dental. Many people who suffer from mental health issues can end up with worsened dental health, as a result of a number of factors, from difficulty accessing care to worsened dental hygiene to aspects of your mental health conditions.
Some of the ways mental health can impact your dental health include:
- Not brushing or flossing your teeth enough as a result of loss of energy and motivation, as can happen with depression
- Damaged enamel from brushing and flossing too much, as can happen with bipolar and OCD
- Damaged enamel as a result of eating disorders such as bulimia and the exposure to stomach acid
- Higher levels of cortisol due to increased stress, which can weaken the immune system and leave you more vulnerable to gum disease
- Engaging in behaviors such as drinking, smoking, drug use, and eating unhealthy foods that can result in tooth decay
- Lack of appetite or not eating, as can happen with eating disorders and mental illnesses such as depression, which can lead to poor nutrition and weakened enamel
- Some medications used to treat mental illnesses can cause side effects such as dry mouth, which leave you more susceptible to dental health issues
- Bruxism can result from anxiety
How To Manage Your Dental And Mental Health
So, dental health is important for your mental health and vice versa. It can be difficult to find ways to manage them, given how cost-prohibitive treatment can be. If you are struggling with your mental health and you’ve tried all the typical things such as exercise, eating better, etc, etc, contact a mental health professional. Mental health treatment is becoming more and more accessible, with therapists offering services on a sliding scale and there being online therapy sites that strive to be affordable.
If you’re struggling with your dental health, the best thing you can do is to try your best to maintain good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and going to your regular dental appointments. Avenues Dental strives to provide financing options that allow all of our patients to obtain the dental care they need.
Do You Need Help With Your Dental Health?
Avenues Dental is here to help with whatever your dental needs may be. We know how important your dental health is for your mental health. Whether you need to schedule a routine cleaning or you would like a smile makeover or you’re experiencing a dental emergency, we have the services to meet your needs. Dental health is important for your mental health, and we’re here to help you improve your dental health however we can. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and let us answer any questions you may have about your dental health.
