Mental Health Awareness Week: What Links Mental Health and Dentistry?

[ez-toc] Content Warning: This article discusses mental health and eating disorders. For support on any of these issues, please visit the NHS website. The connection between mental wellbeing and oral health isn’t new, but it’s a conversation that still doesn’t happen often enough. With Mental Health Awareness Week highlighting the importance of open dialogue and proactive care, now is the ideal time to take a closer look at how the dental world can support better mental health for both patients and practitioners. Mental Wellbeing and Oral Health Go Hand in Hand As many practitioners will know, dental health and oral health are deeply connected, with one often influencing the other. Conditions like depression and anxiety can reduce a person’s motivation to maintain daily routines, including brushing and flossing. In turn, poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and a general decline in wellbeing, fuelling a negative cycle. Those experiencing eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or bipolar disorder can also face additional oral health risks due to nutritional deficiencies, vomiting, or the side effects of medications. Mental health awareness across the dental field can play a powerful role in catching these signs early and ensuring patients receive appropriate support,…

READ THE ARTICLE