With more people doing their best to take care of their mental health, they might look for ways to boost it. If you are in the same boat, then a great way you can do this is by treating your smile right. Oral health issues, like gum disease, can actually have an impact on your mind if you aren’t careful. It might seem odd, but here’s what you need to know from recent research about this condition and your mental well-being.
What Exactly is Gum Disease?
In short, gum disease is an infection in the pink soft tissues of your mouth. It’s often categorized into two different stages. The first is gingivitis, and symptoms generally include noticeable redness, constant bad breath, inflammation, or bleeding when you brush or floss. When it’s caught at this point, you may be able to reverse any damage that was done.
When it’s left untreated, it can then progress into periodontitis. This is a more advanced stage that can lead to gum recession, jawbone loss, or tooth loss in severe cases. Unfortunately, any harm done can’t go back to how it was originally, so your dentist will work to manage it and prevent any more complications.
So, How Does Gum Disease Impact My Mental Health?
While it seems like gum disease can only affect your mouth, recent research has shown otherwise. A 2021 study by the University of Birmingham observed over 64,000 patient records with a history of gum health issues. Of that, nearly 61,000 had gingivitis, while over 3,000 had periodontitis.
This was then compared to over 250,000 patients with no record of gum disease. With this data, they noticed how those with a history of this condition are at a 37% higher risk of mental ill-health, such as depression or anxiety. The study’s co-first author, Dr Joht Singh Chandan, even said that poor oral health can lead to a lower quality of life, particularly regarding mental health.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
Although gum disease can have an impact on your mind, you can do your part in keeping these soft tissues healthy to avoid an increased risk. Here are some simple tips you can follow:
- Brush and floss twice a day to get rid of harmful bacteria on and underneath your gumline.
- Eat a balanced diet that can support your immune system and oral health. Fruits, leafy greens, and lean proteins are great options to stock up on.
- Stop or don’t use tobacco, as smoking and chewing it can lead to this dental problem.
You should also keep up with visits to your dentist! By having consistent checkups and cleanings, they can do their part in keeping your smile strong. They have the training to spot oral health issues, like gum disease, and give you prompt treatment; that way, you can know that your grin doesn’t have anything to worry about.
About the Practice
At Cedric C. Chenet, DDS, PA, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Chenet and his team. They are proud to help the Melbourne community with their gum disease by offering effective services to treat or help you avoid it through preventive care. By using state-of-the-art technology, you can even enjoy a more comfortable visit. If your gums are noticeably red and inflamed, schedule an appointment or call (321) 253-3136.