Poor Dental Health Poor Mental Health
When you brush and floss I bet you never consider that your dental health can impact your mental health. No, I didn’t think so – nobody is going to say wow if I brush and floss it’s going to reduce my risk for depression, anxiety or mental illness. Or are they?
New research is suggesting that this really may be the case as links to gum disease, poor dental health and mental health are now being made in studies.
Poor Dental Health Linked To Mental Health Issues
Poor dental health may also lead to poor mental health, a new study reveals. Researchers from the University of Birmingham UK say developing gum disease and tooth issues can also increase a person’s risk of suffering from depression and anxiety over the next few years.
Along with mental health problems, a history of gum disease can significantly raise your chances of developing autoimmune diseases, heart disease, and even metabolic disorders like diabetes.
Poor oral health is extremely common, as gum disease progresses, it can lead to a substantially reduced quality of life. However, until now, not much has been known about the association of poor oral health and many chronic diseases, particularly mental ill-health.
Gum Disease and Depression
Gum disease is classified as either gingivitis or periodontitis. Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that leads to bleeding gums and can destroy the jawbone without treatment.
People with periodontal disease were found to have a 37-percent higher risk of developing mental health problems with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and serious mental illness.
Dental health linked to physical disease
In addition to anxiety and depression, gum disease creates a 33-percent increase in the risk of developing autoimmune diseases like arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and psoriasis.
There is also a link between high blood pressure and gum disease. Inflammation and bacterial infections from periodontitis can create complications for the heart and lungs among people who fail to get dental treatment for their condition.
Gum disease produces an increase in the risk for cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, stroke, and dementia. The odds of developing type 2 diabetes increased by 26 percent.
As periodontal diseases are very common, an increased risk of other chronic diseases is a very real and concerning health issue.
Signs of Gum Disease
- Bad breath or bad taste that won’t go away.
- Red or swollen gums.
- Tender or bleeding gums.
- Painful chewing.
- Loose teeth.
- Sensitive teeth.
- Gums that have pulled away from your teeth.
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
Treating Gum Disease
Treating gum disease and ensuring good oral and dental health can improve your existing overall health and reduce the risk of future illness.
To find out if you have gum disease, how to treat it and what you can do to minimise your dental health risks then call our expert team at Evolve Dental Holistic Dentist Brisbane to book you gum health assessment and full dental check today 07 3720 1811
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Dr. Rachel Hall
Rachel is the founder and principal dentist at Evolve Dental Healing with over 30 years experience, practising holistically since 2001. Not your typical dentist, Rachel is a passionate opinion leader, challenging convention to empower people to make better dental and health choices, helping thousands to have healthy natural smiles. A respected writer and presenter on holistic dentistry, health and wellness it is Rachel’s mission to revolutionise the way people look at their dental health.
