You may be surprised to learn that your oral health can be negatively impacted by more than the foods you eat and how often you brush and floss your teeth. What many people do not realize is that your mental health can have just as much of an effect on the state of your smile. Keep reading to learn how depression can lead to serious dental problems and what you can do to avoid them.
How Does Depression Lead to Poor Oral Health?
There are countless ways that the effects of depression can impact your oral health, including:
- Unhealthy Diet: Depression often leads many people to turn to comfort foods instead of those designed to fuel the body. As a result, many of these contain sugary and starchy ingredients, which can lead to dental decay and gum disease.
- Neglectful Oral Hygiene: When depression causes you to no longer be motivated to do much of anything, you may find yourself forgoing your daily brushing and flossing habits. This can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, resulting in cavities, gum disease, infection, and dental damage.
- Dismissing Checkups & Cleanings: If depression is causing you to disregard your normal biannual checkups and cleanings, you may begin to experience bothersome pain that, if left untreated, can lead to extensive and costly treatment in the future.
What Can You Do to Prevent These Issues?
When living with depression, it’s important to seek professional help for your symptoms. Talking to a licensed mental health counselor can be beneficial in identifying the underlying issues and strategizing how to move forward to improve your psychological state.
While working toward improved mental health, make sure that you adopt the following to keep your smile in check:
- Continue to practice regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing. If you need to set an alarm on your phone to remind you to complete your oral hygiene routine in the morning and at night, do so.
- Keep your regular checkup and cleaning appointments with your dentist every six months.
- Be mindful of what you eat; choose nutrient-rich foods (fruit, vegetables, lean protein, etc.) that will benefit your mind, body, and smile.
- Find ways to boost your mood (read a book, take a walk, write in a journal, etc.) and stay motivated, as this will help you also stick to your routine.
By taking care of your mind, you can also maintain a healthier smile. Take the appropriate steps today to not let depression get in the way of your long-term oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Katherine Whitaker discovered her passion for dentistry after shadowing various professionals throughout her educational journey. She earned her dental degree at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. At Corbin Family Dental Care, she aims to help all patients maintain better oral health, so when other issues arise, such as depression, she is ready to offer helpful tips to prevent more serious problems. Visit our website or call (606) 619-9592 to schedule an appointment and safeguard your smile.