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Mental illnesses like depression can affect your oral health, too.
Our mental health is an often overlooked component of our overall health. It affects everything from our mood to our ability to function, and poor oral can even have damaging effects on other medical conditions occurring within the body.
But did you know that poor mental health can negatively affect your oral health, too? Here are just a few ways your oral health could be in danger if you suffer from untreated mental health issues.
Teeth Grinding
When we are anxious or stressed sometimes we grind our teeth, both with and without realizing it. This can cause wear and damage to your teeth, from scraped enamel to literal chips, cracks and even lost teeth!
Acid Erosion
Acid erosion can occur on the teeth of patients with eating disorders, especially those with bulimia. Other issues may occur if a patient is not eating enough and not getting nutrients. Malnutrition can take its toll on both the teeth and the gums
Poor Hygiene
Often people who are depressed struggle to perform everyday tasks like caring for their own hygiene. This includes oral health. Some people with severe depression often do not brush their teeth the recommended two times per day, for two minutes each time, or floss their teeth. This can cause cavities and gum diseases, receding gums, and gum and tooth infections.
Fear of the Dentist
According to studies, people who have depression often are more fearful of seeing the dentist than others, and may even experience pain differently or anticipate more pain than others who are not depressed.
What Can You Do?
If you suffer from any type of mental illness and find that it is either impeding your oral health or it is preventing you from seeing Dr. Abelar, reach out to us or to a trusted counselor. There are treatment options available for a variety of mental illnesses that a doctor or therapist would be happy to discuss with you. Your teeth are important, but so is your mental health, so please don’t feel afraid to reach out.
If you would like to schedule an appointment or consultation with Dr. Abelar, please do not hesitate to contact the office today.
