THE LINK BETWEEN ORAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

It may come as a surprise to hear that there is a connection between oral health and mental health, but according to a new study, young adults who suffer from depression may be at a higher risk of oral health diseases. Why is this the case? And what is the significance of this finding? Read on to find out more about the recent study…

What did the study find?
The research was published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology and was conducted by scientists who monitored both the mental and oral health of more than 500 people from birth until the age of 30 years old. According to the findings of the research, those who suffer from feelings of sadness and other symptoms of depression are almost 20 percent more likely to have severe gum disease.

What does it mean?
The research made a connection between depression and the body’s ability to fight inflammation, a symptom commonly associated with gum disease. Additionally, the study suggests that those who suffer from symptoms of depression tend to be more likely to neglect their oral health, while the condition can also lead to a range of other issues that can affect the health of the teeth and gums, including eating disorders and dental anxiety. The research highlights the fact that oral health and overall wellbeing are linked, and that support, education and care are essential when it comes to both oral and mental health, especially as depression is so prevalent in today’s world.

Why should we care?
According to Beyond Blue, an organisation that provides information and support for those affected by mental illness in Australia, three million Australians are currently suffering from anxiety or depression. One in four young people experiences a mental health condition and suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15 to 24.

Given these statistics, the chances are high that you know someone suffering from depression or anxiety. If a mental health issue is affecting your or a family member’s oral health, we encourage you to get in touch. We offer sedation dentistry for our patients who suffer from dental anxiety, plus general preventative care that will help you to prevent future oral health problems.

We want to make every patient feel at ease and have a pleasant experience at our practice. If you haven’t been in for a check-up in a while, we encourage you to get in touch to arrange an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why is sugar bad for your teeth?
It’s not actually sugar that damages the teeth, but rather what happens after eating sugar that can lead to tooth decay. Harmful bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugars that you eat, creating acids that can destroy the enamel of the teeth. When enamel is destroyed by these acids, cavities can form, leading to pain and even tooth loss. In order to prevent this damage, it’s important to brush and floss regularly to remove bacteria-filled plaque from the teeth. It’s also a good idea to stick to healthy foods and drinks.

Why is fluoride good for your teeth?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to strengthen the teeth, making them more resistant to acids that can damage the enamel. Fluoride can also help to speed up remineralisation, the process in which minerals are deposited back into the enamel. Fluoride can be found in water, but can also be applied directly to the teeth in the form of a toothpaste or mouth wash. It is also possible to have a professional fluoride treatment performed. To find out more about the best option for your needs, please get in touch.

What is plaque, exactly?
Plaque is a sticky substance that accumulates on the teeth and gum lines. It contains bacteria that can cause gum disease and tooth decay if it is not removed regularly. When plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden and turn to tartar. Tartar, also known as calculus, attaches to the enamel of the teeth and can build up below the gum line. If left untreated, plaque and tartar can lead to a range of oral health issues. It’s important that you come in for a professional clean every six months so that we can remove any plaque that has built up.