If you’re suffering from oral illnesses such as gum disease or gingivitis, you may think the only risks are to your smile. But recent studies have shown that periodontal problems can affect your entire body, including your mental health. Here’s a closer look at some of the dangers of poor gum health to your brain, and what you can do about it.
Gum Disease and Mental Health
Recently, a study conducted in the United Kingdom found that poor gum health is associated with an increased risk of mental health, autoimmune, cardiovascular, and cardiometabolic disorders. According to researchers, this is because along with poor oral health comes a reduction in quality of life, including anxiety and depression. Gum disease has been associated with bad breath, tooth drift, tooth mobility, and tooth loss, and may also contribute to these feelings.
Gum Disease and Self- Soothing Habits
Additionally, researchers believe that some habits associated with poor mental health such as smoking, using drugs and alcohol, overindulging in unhealthy foods, and even a lack of motivation to adequately care for one’s teeth and gums could all contribute to or cause poor oral health in patients with gum disease.
How to Improve Oral Health
If you are suffering from any stage of gum disease, it is important to seek treatment with periodontal therapy. This will not only help clear away harmful oral bacteria that could eventually cost you your teeth and jawbone, but it can also benefit your mental and total-body health.
Your dentist offers many treatments to help eliminate these dangerous bacteria and restore your teeth and gums health, including scaling and root planing, laser therapy, and even gum grafting. While an evaluation from a qualified dental professional is necessary to determine which treatment will best protect your smile, each can help safeguard your teeth and gums and improve your self-esteem and confidence, potentially boosting your mental health.
If you are suffering from mental health issues, don’t be ashamed to reach out for assistance from a qualified therapist or trusted friend. When you’re ready to take control of your oral health, schedule a consultation for gum disease treatment with your dentist and get on the road to restoring your gorgeous grin.
About Our Practice
At Jacksonville Dental Specialists, our trio of talented dentists wants to help you restore your healthy, beautiful smile with periodontal treatment. If you are suffering from any signs of gum disease including bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or tooth loss, schedule a consultation with us today and get back the gorgeous, glowing grin you were born to share. To schedule your gum disease treatment consultation, visit our website or call 904-683-4781.