Oral Health and Your Mental Well-Being
Dental & Vision
Don’t underestimate the link between your dental and mental health.
Numerous studies have identified many ways that oral and mental health are connected, each impacting the other. Dental problems can affect mental well-being since issues like tooth decay and gum disease can lower self-esteem. On the flip side, research suggests that those with depression or anxiety often experience a decline in oral health.
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Here are just some examples of this clear connection:
Self Esteem. A healthy smile can boost confidence and positively impact social interactions. Conversely, unsightly dental issues can lead to embarrassment and social isolation, contributing to poor mental health.
Nutrition. The effects of mental illnesses can lead to inadequate nutrition, which in turn contributes to poor dental health. In particular, those suffering from eating disorders may have low levels of calcium, which can weaken the surface enamel of teeth. Eating disorders like bulimia often damage the throat, teeth, and mouth.2
Depression: Depression can make it difficult to perform routine oral hygiene tasks like brushing and flossing. Some with depression also experience “burning mouth syndrome,” a chronic, burning sensation in the mouth, despite maintaining good oral health habits.3 Depression is often associated with higher abuse of alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, and other drugs which can cause tooth erosion, decay, and oral cancer.4
Anxiety. As with depression, anxiety-related issues may result in a lack of oral care. Stress brought on by anxiety also increases cortisol levels, which weakens the immune system and increases proclivity towards conditions like gum inflammation and disease.5 Many people (including those in good mental health), have dental anxiety and avoid needed care.
Pain. Depression and anxiety can increase sensitivity to pain, which may exacerbate mental health problems. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey showed that almost two-thirds of people with depression reported having a toothache in the past year.6
Medications. Some antianxiety drugs and antidepressants may cause side effects like Dry Mouth. The reduced saliva flow that causes Dry Mouth increases the risk for gum disease.7
Oral Care as a Mental Health Strategy
Prioritizing oral health can improve not only your psychological well-being, but also your overall health. In addition to brushing and flossing regularly, periodic dental exams and cleanings should be part of your health care routine.
Despite its importance, many people—with or without mental health concerns—avoid the dentist. Dental procedures can be expensive, but with dental insurance, cost shouldn’t deter you from getting the dental care you need. Our dental plans can help save you money on out-of-pocket costs for preventive visits and cleanings with coverage up to 100%.
Don’t underestimate the link between your oral and mental health. Understanding this connection brings you one step closer to getting the care you need.
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1,2,3, 7 “The Link Between Mental Health and Oral Health,” Smile Generation, www.smilegeneration.com, June 2022.
4 “Depression and Teeth: The Surprising Connection You Need To Know,” Penn Dental Family Practice, mypenndentist.org, March 2024.
5 “Association of Stress, Salivary Cortisol, and Chronic Periodontitis: A Clinico-biochemical Study,” National Library of Medicine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6169263/, accessed September 2024.
6 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey,” National Center for Health Statistics, www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/index.htm, accessed September 2024.
