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Poor oral health can influence our emotional well-being.
Aware of this situation, the General Council of Dentists and the Spanish Dental Foundation launched the “Oral Health and Mental Health” Campaign in May, involving 810 dental clinics across Spain. A dedicated website was also created for the campaign: https://saludoralymental.es/, where both the general public and dental professionals can find useful information.
Several studies reveal that adults with mental health problems not only have 25% more cavities than the general population, but also a higher incidence of other oral health conditions. For example, nearly 50% suffer from periodontal disease; 2 out of 3 have experienced dental pain in the past year; and more than one third have untreated cavities.
Some of the problems experienced by people with mental health disorders include:
- Neglect: people experiencing these problems tend to neglect their oral hygiene, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
- Anxiety: many people suffer from some form of dental phobia and, as a result, stop visiting the dentist regularly, which can have a serious impact on their oral health.
- Eating disorders: people suffering from disorders such as bulimia often experience dental erosion due to the acidity of vomit. Low calcium levels are also common and can affect dental health.
- Improper brushing: overly vigorous brushing by people with bipolar disorder or similar conditions can cause abrasion of the tooth enamel.
- Adverse oral side effects caused by certain medications, particularly dry mouth (xerostomia).
- Bruxism, which is associated with stress and anxiety.
However, this relationship also works in the opposite direction. Poor oral health, especially when it causes difficulty eating or leads to tooth loss, can result in difficulties with social interaction and negatively affect a patient's well-being, self-esteem and quality of life.
The President of the General Council of Dentists of Spain, Dr. Óscar Castro Reino, reminds us that “the mouth is part of our overall health and can also influence our emotional well-being. People experiencing mental health problems should not feel uncomfortable discussing them with their dentist. Understanding their situation and the medication they take makes it possible to provide more personalised care and adopt preventive measures whenever necessary”.
How to take care of your oral health.
The General Council of Dentists recommends following a few simple guidelines, even during periods when maintaining usual routines may be more difficult due to emotional or mental health challenges:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste, without forgetting interdental cleaning.
- Maintain a healthy diet and limit sugar consumption.
- Drink water regularly and consult your dentist if you experience persistent dry mouth.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol consumption.
- Do not use mouthwashes or other products indiscriminately: they should only be used when recommended by a dental professional.
- Visit your dentist regularly and do not wait until you experience pain.
- Tell your dentist if you suffer from anxiety, depression, an eating disorder or any other mental health problem, as well as informing them about any medication you are taking.
If you suffer from dental phobia, it is advisable to explain this to the dental clinic team before starting treatment so that they can adapt their approach to your needs and help reduce your fear.
“Healthcare professionals must consider the person as a whole. Looking after the mind and looking after the mouth are not separate matters. Prevention, communication between professionals and patients, and regular check-ups are essential to prevent one problem from making the other worse”, concludes Castro Reino.