by Dr. Anson Hooper, DDS, Hooper Family Dental
Let’s face it, the dental office is nobody’s favorite place. This can stem from past unpleasant experiences to medical office anxiety.
Whatever the case, our teeth and mental health have a mutualistic relationship, where poor mental health can lead to neglect of oral hygiene, and poor oral health can trigger anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.
Here’s an example of a few ways our mental health can affect oral health;
- Depression: This often makes daily tasks like routine brushing and flossing difficult, resulting in harmful decay and gum disease.
- Anxiety and bruxism: Anxiety can lead to teeth grinding or jaw clenching, often causing TMJ disorder and damaging teeth.
- Medication side effects: Many medications have accompanied side effects of xerostomia (dry mouth), which increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and even tooth loss.
- Social and psychological impact: Missing, damaged or decayed teeth often result in social anxiety and embarrassment, often leading to a reduced quality of life.
- Systemic inflammation: Chronic gum disease (periodontitis) is linked to higher stress levels and may contribute to widespread inflammation in the body and brain.
Older adults with poor oral health are at an inherently high risk. Dementia can cause difficulty with daily routines or engaging in more comprehensive oral care. New research shows an association between gum disease and the formation of amyloid plaque associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
According to one study, by Shappell and Cartier, “the mouth is part of the body, and if you don’t take care of oral inflammation and infection, you cannot entirely prevent systemic diseases, like Alzheimer’s.” They suggest the following:
- Individuals at risk for neurodegenerative disorders should seek comprehensive oral care, including preventive dental visits.
- Adults missing teeth should have them replaced with dental implants or dentures. This can improve nutrition and quality of life, reducing the risk for physical and mental decline.
- Individuals with more advanced dementia can benefit from efforts to maintain oral comfort and prevent acute dental complications.
I want to emphasize the importance of collaboration among health care teams including dentists, physicians, social workers, mental health professionals and others. Working together, professionals can aid individuals in preventing and treating conditions that arise.