How Does Depression Impact Oral Health?

Depression is known to be comorbid with multiple psychiatric diseases. However, it is also responsible for several somatic disorders, including deterioration of oral health. Various studies have established the link between depression and oral health problems. So, how and why does depression lead to oral health issues? Read this article to know more.

1. Depression causes fatigue and disinterest in dental healthcare

Tiredness because of sleeping poorly or oversleeping is one of the classic symptoms of depression.  These problems mess up your routine, making you prone to skipping brushing and flossing teeth twice daily. Similarly, depression-led lack of disinterest in daily activities also contributes to unhealthy oral habits that lead to tooth decay and gum diseases.

2. Depression-driven smoking and alcoholism may trigger or aggravate oral diseases

People tend to smoke and drink more when depressed. The exhilarating high helps temporarily relieve the symptoms of depression. But the vicious cycle does not stop here. Research has shown that alcohol is a depressant and exacerbates the symptoms of depressive disorders. Further, going cold turkey on alcohol may lead to relapse. All these factors increase the likelihood of dental problems. In a 2019-interview, Dr. Escudier from the Royal College of Dental Surgeons explained that drinking excessive alcohol has been associated with many oral health problems, including tooth enamel erosion, dry mouth, tooth decay, and oral cancer. Intoxication also makes you vulnerable to accidents that lead to mouth and jaw injuries. Alcohol consumption is reported to increase liver disease risk considerably, creating a ‘knock-on’ effect on ongoing dental treatments.

Similarly, smoking causes specific chemical changes in the brain that make you feel relaxed. However, it is known to increase anxiety and tension. In fact, otherwise healthy smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop depression over time.

Smoking may trigger or worsen dental health problems like periodontal disease, smoker’s keratosis, poor healing after dental treatment, tooth decay and loss, decreased taste, and oral cancer. With depression in the picture, the risk for these diseases multiplies.

3. Depression may lead to the Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome refers to chronic or recurrent burning in the mouth without any known reason. This stinging may affect the lips, tongue, gums, palate, inside of your cheeks, or the whole mouth. The discomfort ranges from mild to as severe as scalding your mouth. Loss of taste, a metallic taste in the mouth, and excessive thirst because of dry mouth are other symptoms of burning mouth syndrome. The problem usually starts suddenly, but it can gradually worsen over time. It has two types—primary and secondary. Research is underway to determine the specific cause of primary burning mouth syndrome. However, secondary burning mouth syndrome has clear reasons that include depression and anxiety, among others. Alcohol and smoking, with or without clinical depression, may also cause burning mouth syndrome.

4. Depression causes the onset of unhealthy food patterns

Binge-eating or skipping meals, craving sweets, and eating at odd hours are typical manifestations of bad eating habits caused by depression. These patterns of consuming unhealthy food or eating at the wrong hours jeopardize your oral health. For example, eating sugary foods intensifies the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, increasing the risk for cavities and plaque. Similarly, snacking late at night may make you go back to sleep without brushing and flossing your teeth. Doing so often breaks down the teeth’ enamel, leading to cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. When the plaque in your mouth calcifies and turns into tartar, brushing and flossing no more work. Click here to know to know how professional dental cleaning can help remove tartar.

5. Malnutrition because of depression triggers oral problems

As discussed above, depression leads to unhealthy eating habits. Depression patients may replace healthy foods with sweet, deep-fried, or carb-rich foods to uplift their mood. They may also resort to more consumption of stimulants like tea and coffee to cope with negative emotions or loss of productivity. Diet and nutrition play a significant role in strengthening your teeth, tissues in the mouth, and the overall health of the mouth. For example, consuming acidic drinks like tea, coffee, and alcohol gradually erode the teeth’ enamel, turning them sensitive, yellow, and vulnerable to decay. Contrarily, taking dairy products and drinking more water are beneficial for oral health.

6. Depression is linked to periodontitis

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease caused by multiple factors, including bacterial infection in gums. Depression is one of the nonoral risk factors for the development of chronic periodontitis. Negligent oral healthcare associated with depression can worsen periodontal symptoms such as bad breath, redness and soreness in gums, and pain while chewing. It may also advance tooth loss associated with periodontitis.  Conversely, periodontitis increases the possibility of developing depression.

What Can I Do To Manage Oral Health With Depression?

The following tips may help you take care of your oral and mental health.

1. Talk to your dentist

Let your dentist know about your mental state. It will help them understand why you may be skipping a regular oral hygiene routine or not following the post-treatment care instructions and share helpful suggestions accordingly. Besides, several anti-depressants may cause dry mouth, bruxism, and tooth sensitivity. Keeping your dentist informed will help them recommend medications and ways to manage the oral side effects of anti-depressants.

2. Brush and floss regularly

Develop a self-care routine with brushing and flossing as essential steps. Reward yourself for completing these tasks as it trains your brain to remember brushing and flossing worth recalling and repeating.  

3. Seek therapy for depression

Chronic depression, in most cases, needs professional intervention. It’s negligence to assume that it will go away on its own. Declining oral health is just one consequence of depression. Untreated depression may affect your cognitive ability, cardiovascular health, nervous system, digestive system, endocrine system, and immune response.

4. Eat well and live an active life

Instead of ‘comfort’ foods, eat foods that provide wholesome nutrition. Limit the consumption of sugary and fried foods. Cut down alcohol intake and try to quit smoking. In addition, exercising makes your brain release ‘feel-good’ chemicals and helps alleviate symptoms of depression. Being active also encourages you to adhere to your self-care routine.

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