Mental health issues may lead to oral hygiene issues
Those struggling with mental health issues may also struggle with maintaining good oral hygiene. Some Americans have said they face challenges brushing their teeth regularly when dealing with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Previous studies have demonstrated there may be a correlation between mental and oral health. For instance, researchers have revealed that those with mental health issues may have a higher likelihood of experiencing tooth loss and tooth grinding as a result of a lack of motivation to practice proper oral hygiene and stress-managing behaviors. Further, antidepressants and antianxiety medications can also cause dry mouth — thereby increasing the risk of cavities.
According to the article published in TIME, Americans should visit the dentist every 6 months in order to maintain their oral hygiene and address any issues that may arise between appointments. The longer they hold off appointments, the more costly dental care may become, which may only exacerbate mental health issues.
Read more: TIME
The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.