Orlando Psychiatrist: How Oral Health Impacts Mental Wellness

We all know that brushing and flossing are important for a sparkling smile, but did you know that taking care of your mouth can also impact your overall health – including your mental well-being? It’s true! The mouth-body-mind connection is a real phenomenon, and understanding it can help you prioritize your oral health like never before.

Think of Your Mouth Like a Bustling City…

When it’s well-managed (with good oral hygiene!), things run smoothly. But if garbage piles up (we’re talking plaque and bacteria here!), trouble brews, and it can even affect neighboring cities (your overall health).

The Link Between Oral Health and Overall Health

Your mouth is the gateway to your body. When your mouth is healthy, it’s easier for your body to fight off harmful bacteria and stay in balance. But when oral health suffers, those bacteria can sneak into your bloodstream like tiny invaders, contributing to a range of health problems:

• Cardiovascular Disease: Think of your arteries as highways. Inflammation from gum disease can act like roadblocks, contributing to the buildup of plaque (think traffic jams!) in your arteries. This can increase your risk of heart disease. [1]
• Diabetes: People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease, and gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels. This is because the inflammation makes it more difficult for your body to use insulin effectively. [2]   
• Respiratory Infections: Ever coughed and felt like something flew into your mouth? Well, sometimes bacteria from your mouth can be inhaled into your lungs, increasing the risk of pneumonia and other respiratory infections. [3]
• Pregnancy Complications: For expectant mothers, gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. [4]

Stress, Anxiety, and Your Oral Health: A Two-Way Street

Your mental health and oral health are closely connected. When you’re stressed or anxious, you may be more likely to:

• Grind your teeth (bruxism): This can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and worn-down teeth. Imagine your teeth are like millstones grinding away! [5]
• Clench your jaw: This can cause muscle tension, headaches, and even damage to your teeth.
• Develop dry mouth: Stress can reduce saliva production, which acts like a natural mouthwash. Without enough saliva, your risk of cavities and gum disease increases. [6] This is partly due to the increased levels of stress hormones like cortisol, which can contribute to inflammation in the mouth and throughout the body.
• Neglect oral hygiene: When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s easy to let your oral hygiene routine slip.

And here’s the flip side: Oral health problems can also impact your mental health. Imagine dealing with constant tooth pain or feeling self-conscious about your smile. This can lead to social isolation, low self-esteem, and even depression. [7]

For example, I once had a patient who avoided social situations entirely because he was embarrassed about his missing teeth. It wasn’t until he addressed his oral health and got dentures that he felt confident enough to engage with the world again.

The Ripple Effect: Oral Health and Social Anxiety

Beyond self-esteem, poor oral health can contribute to social anxiety. Worries about bad breath (halitosis) or a less-than-perfect smile can make people self-conscious in social settings, leading to avoidance of interactions and a decline in overall quality of life. [9]

The Dental Anxiety Dilemma

For many people, anxiety about dental visits keeps them from getting the care they need. The sights, sounds, and smells of a dental office can trigger fear and avoidance. [8] This can create a vicious cycle where avoiding the dentist leads to worsening oral health, which further increases anxiety about seeking treatment.

If you’re in the Orlando area and struggle with dental anxiety, know that there are many compassionate dentists here who are experienced in helping anxious patients feel more comfortable. Here are a few things that might help:

• Talk to your dentist: Explain your fears and concerns. A good dentist will listen and work with you to create a more relaxing experience.
• Consider sedation dentistry: Options like nitrous oxide or oral sedatives can help you feel more relaxed during your appointment.
• Practice relaxation techniques: Deep breathing exercises, meditation, or listening to music can help calm your nerves before and during your visit. Try the Calm app or Headspace for guided meditations.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT can help you identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to dental anxiety. [10]

Tips for a Healthy Mouth and a Healthy Body

Ready to take control of your oral and overall health? Here are some tips:

1. Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist in the Lake Nona area for regular checkups and cleanings. Think of it as giving your “mouth city” a regular cleaning and inspection!
2. Manage stress: Find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as exercise, meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature.
3. Be mindful of your habits: If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, talk to your dentist about strategies to protect your teeth, such as wearing a mouthguard.
4. Eat a healthy diet: Limit sugary drinks and snacks, and focus on nutrient-rich foods that support oral and overall health.
5. Don’t smoke: Smoking increases your risk of gum disease and oral cancer.

Bonus Tip: Many medications, including some psychiatric medications, can cause dry mouth. If you’re experiencing this, talk to your doctor or dentist. There are strategies to help!

Your Mouth Matters!

Remember: Your oral health is an essential part of your overall well-being. By taking care of your mouth, you’re investing in your overall health and quality of life. So, schedule a check-up with your dentist today and keep that smile shining bright! If you’re in the Orlando area and looking for support with your mental health, ACES Psychiatry in Lake Nona provides compassionate care for children, adolescents, and adults. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Disclaimer: This blog is based on personal learning and training and may not apply to all individuals. Always consult with a professional if you need specific advice for your unique needs.

References:

1. Li, X., Kolltveit, K. M., Tronstad, L., & Olsen, I. (2000). Systemic diseases caused by oral infection. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 13(4), 547–558.   
2. Preshaw, P. M., Alba, A. L., Herrera, D., Jepsen, S., Konstantinidis, A., Makrilakis, K., & Taylor, R. (2012). Periodontitis and diabetes: a two-way relationship. Diabetologia, 55(1), 21–31.   
3. Scannapieco, F. A. (2004). Role of oral bacteria in respiratory infection. The Journal of the American Dental Association, 135(6), 791–796.
4. Offenbacher, S., Katz, V., Fertik, G., Collins, J., Boyd, D., Maynor, G., McKaig, R., & Beck, J. (1996). Periodontal infection as a possible risk factor for preterm low birth weight. Journal of periodontology, 67(10 Suppl), 1103–1113.   
5. Manfredini, D., Lobbezoo, F., & Ahlberg, J. (2004). Bruxism: a classic movement disorder? Movement Disorders: Official Journal of the Movement Disorder Society, 19(10), 1107–1122.
6. Ahlberg, J., Ekman, A., & Hakeberg, M. (2003). Effect of a single session of stress management on saliva secretion rate, buffer capacity, and levels of albumin, amylase, and cortisol in saliva. Journal of Dental Research, 82(8), 618–622.
7. Stewart, R., Pitts, N. B., & Deery, C. (2008). The relationship between oral health status, self-esteem, and sense of control among adolescents. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, 36(5), 458–464.
8. Armfield, J. M. (2007). How to help patients overcome their fear of dental treatment. Journal of the California Dental Association, 35(10), 732–738.
9. Leite, F. R. M., Pereira, A. C., de Oliveira, N. B., & Nadanovsky, P. (2014). Impact of oral health conditions on quality of life. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 41(Suppl 15), S183–S191.
10. Muñoz, M., Curaqueo, C., & Cumsille, F. (2017). Cognitive behavioral therapy for dental anxiety in children and adolescents: A systematic review. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 47, 86–94.