{"id":88,"date":"2021-12-04T21:16:00","date_gmt":"2021-12-04T21:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.terryrakowsky.com\/blog\/?p=88"},"modified":"2026-03-24T03:58:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T03:58:34","slug":"what-is-the-connection-between-my-oral-and-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.seanbrowndds.com\/blog\/2021\/12\/04\/what-is-the-connection-between-my-oral-and-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is the Connection Between My Oral and Depression?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Mental health gets a lot of attention these days, and rightfully so, but did you know that it has a strong connection to your oral health, as well? Your state of mind and the condition of your mouth influence one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depression is a mood disorder and an aspect of mental health that can pose challenges to your motivation for proper dental care. Understanding the relationship between depression and dental health is significant, as you work to take better care of yourself in both respects. Keep reading to learn from your dentist in Doylestown<\/a> how they correlate and how you can navigate the situation to protect your teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Impact Can Struggles with Depression Have on My Oral Health?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Almost two-thirds of people with depression reported having a toothache in the past year, according to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. It also found that half of all people with depression rated the condition of their teeth as fair or poor. A scientific review of related studies found a strong link between gum disease and mood conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People with depression, stress, or anxiety sometimes lose focus on oral health habits, which can lead to significant dental issues. For example, someone with depression might only brush and floss at irregular intervals, skip dentist visits, have an unhealthy diet, and try to cope by smoking. Depression affects one out of every 10 Americans and more than 80 percent who suffer from clinical depression go untreated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depression and anxiety create stress, which manifests itself in the body as the hormone cortisol. As cortisol levels increase, the immune system gets weaker. This can make you vulnerable to gingivitis and gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anxiety makes you more susceptible to canker sores, dry mouth, and teeth grinding. Anxiety is the most common mental illness in America, affecting an estimated 40 million adults. Also, medications prescribed for mental health issues can cause dry mouth, which makes it easier for cavities to form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A recent study performed at West Virginia University showed a direct link between depression and anxiety and tooth loss in affected patients. Those suffering from either mood condition were 95 percent more likely to have some degree of tooth loss than those who did not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can I Work Through Depression While Maintaining My Oral Hygiene?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you are struggling with your mental health, sometimes it can feel like nothing matters as much as it used to. It\u2019s important not to throw in the towel and give up on any aspect of yourself, including your oral health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Obviously, brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily are huge difference-makers. But having the motivation to do them is essential, and it may take time for you to build up to that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start by brushing once per day, or even a few times each week, so you can get into a routine where the behavior becomes more automatic. You\u2019ll feel better and cleaner without a sense of being overwhelmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brushing in the morning can give you some positive feelings to begin the day. In time, try to work flossing into your routine when you feel up to it. When you\u2019re ready, you can contact your dentist and they\u2019ll perform a cleaning and exam that can ensure your oral health is progressing to where it needs to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you are going through mental struggles, it is important to seek professional help so you can get your life back on track. During the process, don\u2019t lose sight of your physical health, including the status of your teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Sean Brown<\/a> is a friendly and knowledgeable dentist with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Buffalo. He enjoys helping patients protect their oral health and feel confident in their smiles through advanced treatments like Invisalign. If you’re ready to improve your quality of life, you\u2019re in good hands. Call (215) 348-2224<\/a> to schedule an Invisalign consultation at Sean Brown DDS or visit our website to request an appointment online<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Mental health gets a lot of attention these days, and rightfully so, but did you know that it has a strong connection to your oral health, as well? Your state of mind and the condition of your mouth influence one another. Depression is a mood disorder and an aspect of mental health that can pose challenges to your motivation for proper dental care. Understanding the relationship between depression and dental health is significant, as you work to take better care of yourself in both respects. Keep reading to learn from your dentist in Doylestown how they correlate and how you can navigate the situation to protect your teeth. (Read More)<\/a>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":89,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-88","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nThe Relationship Between Oral & Mental Health | Dr. Sean Brown, DDS<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Mental health issues can be taxing on a person, and they can affect other areas like oral health. 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