The Link Between Oral Health & Mental Health
Practising good dental hygiene is important for our teeth and gums. But a lesser considered factor is that there are links between our dental and mental health.
Our dental health affects a lot more than our mouth. And our mental health affects a lot more than our minds.
There are a few ways in which your dental health and mental health align. And a few things you can do at home to prevent any negative repercussions.
Healthy Teeth, Healthy Mind
The health of our mouth can have a ripple effect on our mental health.
Problematic teeth and gums can make it hard for you to feel good about yourself. Of course, the idea of what constitutes beauty is subjective.
But the opinion that a great smile is an attractive quality to have is considered universal.
Damaged, chipped teeth, decay and bad breath are some ways poor dental health can impact one’s mental health, affecting self-esteem and confidence.
Studies revealed that having a confident smile can improve your work, social life and overall happiness.
Healthy Mind, Healthy Teeth
Like our dental health can have a ripple effect on our mental health, the same thing exists on the flipside. Your mental health can play a big role in your overall oral health!
Most of us are aware of the impact that stress and anxiety can have on our general health. But research continues to show a strong relationship between mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, stress and poor dental health.
Several common mental health conditions result in our body’s overproduction of cortisol.
This hormone, in increased amounts, can encourage gum disease. In severe cases of mental health illnesses, we also see a deterioration of good dental hygiene habits.
This, too, directly affects our oral health, encouraging the onset of tooth decay.
Preventative Things You Can Do At Home
Luckily, there are many things you can do every day from home that can help you stay on top of your oral and mental health.
Here are some tips from our dentists at Canley Heights Dental Care to help keep you happy and smiling:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss every day
- Drink plenty of water
- Consume a range of clean, healthy foods
- Limit intake of tea, coffee and sugary drinks
- Get enough sleep
- Exercise daily
- Soak up some Vitamin D
- Get some fresh air
In Conclusion
Our oral health affects many other aspects of our health; our mental health is one of them. Maintaining good oral health is important for so many reasons. And the best part is, there is a lot you can do to support the cause from home besides regularly visiting your dentist.
Adopting a routine of brushing, flossing and rinsing your mouth with mouthwash after eating will help keep your mouth clean and healthy. This not only reduces your risk of developing further health problems but also boosts your confidence and overall happiness!
Oral Health in Canley Heights
Take care of your oral health!
At Canley Heights Dental Care, we make every visit to the dentist affordable and as easy as possible for every patient.
Our dentists are chosen for their experience, compassion for their patients, and dedication to families’ lifelong dental health.
Visit your Canley Heights dentist today!
Please call us on (02) 9199 9678 or book your appointment online.
We are located at 1/229 Canley Vale Road in Canley Heights.