The medical community has been working with a team to discover how mental health has been impacting our health. This has led to a growing understanding of these conditions and how their effects can have unexpected consequences. Ongoing studies have shown that oral health is one of the areas that can be dramatically impacted and an understanding of how it has emerged. Patients with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and bipolar disorder have all demonstrated higher instances of oral health concerns, and we’re going to look into why.
Oral Health Complications And How They Can Emerge From Behavioral Health Concerns
These studies have grown through the expanding understanding of mental health and a growing recognition of its validity and impact. This has resulted in a growing number of successful diagnoses that give clarity to the struggles these individuals face. Those conditions that create concerns related to executive dysfunction are the biggest culprits, as are those that create manic episodes or excessive attention to oral health.
Proper oral health routines are difficult to maintain for patients with conditions like depression and ADHD, and in some cases, those with bipolar disorder and anxiety can be prone to going to extremes in caring for their teeth. These are no means universal experiences but are observations of recurrent themes in patients with certain mental health concerns. One point of evidence can be found in studies published by the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, which shows that those with mental health disorders can occasionally do damage to their teeth from overbrushing and flossing.
Discussing Your Mental Health Concerns With Your Dentist, And What They Can Do
Speaking to your dental professional can actually lead to results, especially if they coordinate with your mental health professional. The dental community is stressing the importance of mental health concerns for their patients, and a growing body of work is appearing to help these professionals help you. They have also been building new habits of coordinating with mental health providers to devise methods of aiding patients to receive the dental care they critically need.
- Relaxation Techniques: Dentists are adding televisions to their procedure rooms, soothing music can be played, and white noise can be provided to help patients. Every dentist provides their own option, so speak to yours.
- Improved Communication: Demonstrating your concern to your patient and communicating with your dentist can lead to changes that will aid comfort during your treatment. It’s a good way to begin forming a treatment plan that can help you.
- Informed Awareness: Mental and oral health professionals can work together to develop viable treatment plans, but understanding your care helps as well. Speak with your dentist to get information about your upcoming treatments and how they’ll aid your dental health.
Call your dentist today to get an appointment to discuss any mental health concerns you may be experiencing. Every day the mental and dental health communities strive to provide important care and a superior experience for dental patients.
