It’s no secret that mental illness is a common problem in the US, but did you know that at least 40 million adults suffer from anxiety disorders? And, this number is growing year after year. Additionally, depression affects 1 in 10 Americans with an estimated 80% of cases going untreated. Of course, these illnesses can lead to various health effects, but they can also negatively impact your oral health. Read on to learn more about the surprising relationship between your mental state and dental health from an expert dentist in OKC.
How Can Mental Health Affect Your Smile?
Conditions like anxiety and depression can make you not want to participate in your normal daily activities or routine. Because of this, studies show that patients with anxiety are more likely to skip their daily brushing and flossing. Additionally, this group is far less likely to visit their dentist for regular cleanings twice a year, if any at all. What’s even more astonishing is that two-thirds of those with depression report having a toothache in the last year, and it’s more likely for them to lose at least one tooth. The main cause of this issue is that those with mental conditions tend to lose focus on their day to day health maintenance.
How to Improve Your Mental Health
A lot of your anxiety may stem from stress, which is why it’s a good idea to find stress-relieving activities you can use throughout your day to manage your mental state. Exercise, meditation, and time spent outside are just a few simple ways you can achieve less stress and better mental health. Another step you can take is handling the stressors in your life. If it’s work, find a way to manage your workload. If there are factors at home causing anxiety, try cleaning, reorganizing, or addressing these issues. If you can eliminate the things that are making you anxious and stressed, you’ll automatically feel lighter, happier, and more carefree.
Easy Tips for a Healthy Smile
After working on your mental health, your oral health in OKC is the easy part! Plus, a good dental hygiene routine can also help you feel good about yourself and your smile. Here are some easy yet effective tips for a beautiful and clean smile:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each session.
- Floss once a day to remove lingering food debris in between your smile.
- Add a nonalcoholic mouthwash to your routine to reach hard to clean areas of your mouth.
- Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings at least twice a year.
- Avoid poor lifestyle habits like tobacco use or heavy consumption of alcohol.
Who knew that your mental outlook could influence your dental health? Remember these tips to take care of your well-being and your smile!
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Bradley Mitchell understands the significant impact that anxiety and depression can have on your smile, which is why he has provided some helpful tips on how to stay healthy. For any questions, he can be reached through his website or by phone at (405) 755-2670.
