How Oral Health Impacts Your Mental Health

No Comments

Have you ever been embarrassed or afraid to smile in public because of your broken, chipped, or missing teeth?

If you have, you know that your poor oral health can induce negative feelings, which can lead to lower self-esteem. And good oral health can boost self-confidence by bringing the spark back in your smile.

Your oral health can greatly impact your mental health and vice versa. This is why it has been noted that teeth loss is 2.7 times more likely to occur among people who struggle with mental illness.

Some common dental issues such as bad breath, tooth decay, and tooth loss can induce stress, anxiety, and even depression. Let’s learn how.

Bad breath

Bad breath or halitosis is a common oral health issue, with around half of the US population reporting to being affected by it at some point in their lives.

But that doesn’t stop shame and guilt from being associated with it. Researchers have observed that halitosis can even lead to depression and anxiety.

People with bad breath are shunned and alienated, which is why many people who have physiological or pathological halitosis experience social anxiety, effects of which can be seen even after they have been treated for bad breath.

Take care of your oral health by brushing and flossing regularly to avoid the buildup of bacteria in your mouth that can lead to bad breath.

Oral Health Impacts

Tooth loss

Teeth loss can cause embarrassment and restrict social activity for many people.

If you have missing teeth, you know how painful chewing and grinding can be. People with teeth loss report feeling left out during social activities because of their inability to chew food properly rather than their unpleasant appearance.

A recent study reported that this was the reason why people with teeth loss showed depressive symptoms.

If you have missing teeth, you can opt for dental procedures such as dental implants, dental crowns, and veneers to replace the gap caused by them. At Rapha Dental, we provide affordable cosmetic dentistry NJ to replace missing teeth.

Tooth Decay

Untreated tooth decay can cause a lot of pain and lead to gum infection.

In a recent report, it was revealed that untreated tooth decay leads to lower levels of self-esteem in individuals.

So, take good care of oral health by adapting excellent oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice every day and floss regularly. Also, visit your dentist regularly to maintain a healthy smile!

 

At Rapha Dental, our team of experienced and highly trained dentists provides solutions to your dental worries with family and cosmetic dentistry New Jersey. Contact us today at (856) 829-8668 to book an appointment or visit our website.