The General Council of Dentists of Spain points out that the available scientific literature indicates that people with mental health disorders often also present worse oral health.
"It is, moreover, a bidirectional relationship, as poor oral health can negatively affect psychological well-being, while mental disorders can severely deteriorate oral health," the dentists add on the occasion of World Mental Health Day.
In this regard, the Council recalls that various studies indicate that adults with mental health problems not only register 25 percent more cavities than the general population but also a higher frequency of other oral diseases. Thus, nearly 50 percent suffer from periodontal disease; two out of three have experienced dental pain in the last twelve months; and more than a third have untreated cavities.
Dentists insist that, in many cases, these patients neglect daily oral hygiene, which favors the appearance of gum diseases and cavities. In addition, a significant number of people have a phobia of the dentist and, consequently, avoid visiting the office with the recommended frequency, something that has a very negative impact on their oral health.
In the same vein, experts explain that those suffering from disorders such as bulimia often show erosion on their teeth due to the acidity of vomit, in addition to frequently presenting low calcium levels that influence the state of the enamel.
They also warn that excessively vigorous brushing, which can occur in patients with bipolar disorder or other similar conditions, can lead to abrasion of the dental enamel. This is compounded by the oral side effects of certain medications, including dry mouth (xerostomia), as well as bruxism associated with stress and anxiety.
The Council emphasizes that the influence also occurs in reverse: poor oral health, especially when it hinders chewing or leads to the loss of dental pieces, can generate problems for socializing and affect emotional well-being, self-esteem, and quality of life.
"The mouth is part of our overall health and can also influence our emotional well-being. People going through a mental health issue should not feel uncomfortable discussing it with their dentist. Knowing their situation and the medication they take allows for more individualized care and the adoption of preventive measures when necessary," emphasized the president of the General Council of Dentists of Spain, Óscar Castro.
How to maintain good oral health
The General Council of Dentists encourages following basic guidelines even during times when mood makes it difficult to maintain daily routines.
Among those recommendations is to brush teeth at least twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, paying attention to interdental cleaning. It also suggests maintaining a balanced diet and reducing sugar intake.
Specialists remind the importance of hydrating with water regularly and visiting the dentist if a continuous dry mouth sensation is noticed. Similarly, they recommend avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and not using mouthwashes or other products without proper indication.
In the presence of odontophobia, they advise communicating it beforehand to the dental clinic team so that they can adapt the approach to the patient and help reduce the fear of treatment.
"Healthcare professionals must consider the person as a whole. Caring for the mind and caring for the mouth are not independent issues. Prevention, communication between professionals and patients, and regular check-ups are essential to prevent one problem from worsening the other," concludes Castro.