When you think of the effects of poor dental care on your mental health, your first thought is probably not that it could be a cause for concern. Instead, you might think about how poor dental care can negatively affect your general well-being. Indeed, numerous adverse side effects of poor dental care include toothache and infection, which can spread to other body parts. These potential side effects of poor dental care are concerning in their own right. But when combined with other factors such as depression or social isolation, they can lead to far more significant problems. Let’s take a look at how poor dental care can affect your mental health:
Poor Dental Care Can Cause Depression
Poor dental care can cause depression, both directly and indirectly. Poor dental care can directly cause depression, leading to decreased self-esteem and feelings of sadness. This can be due to the social consequences of poor dental care, such as difficulty finding a job. An imperfect smile can cause people to avoid you, leading to social isolation. This can then lead to depression.
Poor dental care can also indicate depression indirectly, as poor dental care is often a sign of a more serious issue. Poor dental care can indicate a lack of self-care and neglect in other areas of life, such as diet and sleep, which are significant signs of depression.
Poor Dental Care and Confidence
Poor oral hygiene can cause severe damage to your teeth, gums, and overall health. And the psychological effects of poor dental care can be just as significant. If you have poor dental hygiene, you’re likely to be very self-conscious about your appearance. Not only does this negatively impact socialization (see below), but it can also lead to low self-esteem and confidence. Poor oral health can also interfere with eating, which can seriously affect self-confidence and self-esteem. Eating is often a social activity, and being unable to eat correctly is likely to lead to social isolation. This can lead to low self-esteem and diminished social skills, both of which can have lasting effects on confidence.
Poor Dental Care and Social Isolation
Poor oral health can lead to social isolation for several reasons. First, eating can be uncomfortable and embarrassing if you have bad or limited teeth. This can make eating out with others very difficult, as well as eating in front of your friends and family. Poor oral health can also make speaking and engaging in conversation difficult. This can lead to increased social isolation, which may, in turn, lead to depression. Isolation can also lead to serious health issues, including malnutrition and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. A lack of proper nutrition can lead to muscle weakness, low energy, and a lack of mental focus. All of which can affect productivity and interfere with your ability to maintain relationships. Poor oral health can affect more than just your social skills. It can significantly impact your career and educational opportunities as well.
Dental Care and Anxiety
A lack of proper oral hygiene can significantly increase your anxiety disorder risk. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues, with about 18% of the population experiencing symptoms at one point or another. Poor oral health can lead to genuine pain, enough to increase anxiety in many people. In addition, anxiety can lead to more severe health issues, such as diabetes, which can further exacerbate anxiety. Poor oral health can lead to high financial costs as well. A lack of dental insurance can cause severe economic issues, and poor dental health can also lead to a loss of income, especially in careers where it is essential to smile or speak. Poor oral health can significantly impact your mental health, decreasing quality of life and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Tips to Improve Oral Health
If you’re concerned about the effects of poor dental care on your mental health, you can do a few things. First, schedule regular dental check-ups, just like you would any other medical appointment. You can also try to improve your oral health at home. Brush your teeth twice daily to remove plaque and keep your teeth in good condition. Be sure to floss once daily to remove any food particles between your teeth and gums. It can be worth asking your dentist: Is water flossing better than string floss? If you don’t enjoy string flossing. If you have trouble reaching your back teeth, you can also ask your dentist for a recommendation.
Be sure to ask your dentist what you can do to maintain your oral hygiene if you take prescription medications that make dental hygiene more difficult. You can also talk to your dentist about any concerns you have about your oral health and how it impacts your mental health.