World Oral Health Day is taking place on the 20th March, a day dedicated to raising global awareness about the importance of good oral health.
This year’s theme is ‘a happy mouth is… a happy mind’. This follows on from last year’s theme ‘a happy mouth is… a happy body’, that shone a light on the surprising systemic diseases and health problems connected to oral health. Now turning their attention to mental health, the latest statistics show that 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England, and World Oral Health Day is aiming to show that good oral health can lead to better mental health and quality of life.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the 5 key ways that good oral hygiene positively impacts our mental health and wellbeing. We’ll also take a look at the other side of this two-way relationship, and why you may need to be more mindful of your oral health when dealing with mental health problems.
5 ways good oral health benefits mental wellbeing
Our oral health and mental health are closely related, as each has an impact on the other – from the positive mental health benefits of routine and self-care, to the increasing amount of research indicating that bacteria in the mouth is linked to brain function as you age.
- An act of self-care to reduce stress and anxiety
A 2024 survey showed that 86% of people in the UK feel stressed at least one day a month, and there is a connection between stress and dental health decline. Self-care is an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety, taking a small window of time each day to focus on number one! Brushing and flossing will leave you feeling cleaner, more confident and with peace of mind that you’re taking care of your health. - The importance of a consistent routine
As we know, the secret to healthy teeth and gums is a consistent oral hygiene routine. But consistent routines also play a key role in improving mental wellbeing when struggling with mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. When poor mental health makes doing anything at all feel daunting, we get a valuable serotonin boost by completing these simple daily tasks that take care of ourselves. - Something to smile about!
With clean, stain-free, sparkling teeth and minty fresh breath, you can’t help but smile! Feeling confident in your appearance is a huge part of good self-esteem, making you feel more sociable and more inclined to laugh and smile. Believe it or not, the smile-mind connection is real. The simple act of smiling or laughing triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin, relieves anxiety, increases happy feelings, and even boosts immunity! - Peace of mind
Don’t give yourself something else to worry about. Maintaining a thorough at-home hygiene routine and keeping up with routine check-ups and hygiene appointments means you’re doing everything you can to take care of your oral health. Problems like tooth decay and gum disease are treated early, and you don’t need to worry about them developing into a more painful and costly problem. Furthermore, science is finding that oral health is connected to a long list of systemic diseases, such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Therefore, staying on top of your oral health provides peace of mind that you’re protecting your health beyond the mouth too. - Healthy diet benefits
A healthy diet with minimal sugar and plenty of vitamins and minerals is essential for a healthy mouth, and this tooth-friendly diet is good for your mental health too. Research has shown that a healthy diet incorporating vegetables and fruit can reduce symptoms of depression. New research on the connection between bacteria found in the mouth and Alzheimer’s has found that eating nitrate-rich leafy greens can boost brain function as you age.
Don’t let mental health get in the way of healthy teeth and gums
The relationship between oral health and mental health is two-sided. If you are struggling with mental health issues, you may need to be more mindful of your oral health.
Disorders like depression and anxiety can make it harder to keep up with regular hygiene routines, while mood disorders associated with hyperactivity and anger can cause individuals to be overly vigorous when brushing (damaging enamel and gums). Depression and anxiety can also lead individuals to undereat, meaning they don’t get enough of the nutrients that are essential for strong teeth and healthy gums. Stress and anxiety are linked to bruxism (tooth grinding), that wears teeth down over time. Stress may also lead individuals to overconsume sugary food and drinks, increasing risk of tooth decay.
It is also important to be conscious of the oral health side effects of certain mental health medications. If you are taking medication, talk to your dentist or hygienist about how to adapt your oral hygiene routine accordingly to protect your dental health.
A sure-fire way to lift your mood
As we look ahead to spring after a long, cold and dark winter, we could all do with a little mood boost! It’s a great time to check in with your dentist, stay on top of developing issues, and refresh your smile with a hygiene appointment. Book your next appointment by calling 01482 565488 or send us a message.
