Depression is a life-threatening disease linked to a range of health issues. Studies increasingly show it is also linked to poor oral health. At Prevent Dental Suite we want you to be fully aware of the relationship between your dental health and your overall health, of which your mental health is a key component.
Depression can lead to:
- Neglected oral hygiene
- Poor nutrition
- Drug-induced xerostomia (more commonly called dry-mouth)
- Avoidance of necessary dental care
- Increased risk of dangerous dental behaviors
1) 61% of patients reporting depression also reported an aching mouth and more than 50% consider their teeth to be in fair or poor condition. Worse, the more dental conditions a patient has, the greater the severity of their depression.
2) Depression increases the level of cortisol circulating in the body. When cortisol is produced in the gums, it stimulates a protein production, simultaneously increasing local inflammation and the advancement of periodontal disease.
3) Depression can cause temporomandibular disorders (TMD) that cause pain and restrict jaw movement. This “feeds back” to create even more anxiety and depression.
4) Depression is partly an “inflammatory” disorder, meaning that inflammations can induce it. Periodontitis causes such inflammation and inflammation in your mouth is linked to other problems, including dementia and heart attack.
5) Side effects of medicines for depression can increase the risk for cavities, periodontal disease, and oral infections. These drugs can also have dangerous interactions with common ingredients of dental nerve-numbing drugs.
6) Depression is associated with high-risk behaviour linked to oral damage (e.g. smoking, alcohol and drug abuse). Symptoms of anxiety are also significantly associated with lower tooth brushing frequency, which is not good for overall oral health.
For more information on the links between depression and oral health, contact us at Prevent Dental Suite today!
Call us on +61 7 3886 2428 and claim the special offers for New Patients!
