January is a time when many of us think about self-care and what improvements we can make in our lives.
Mental health awareness is an area that thankfully is now experiencing lots of open conversation. It is wonderful to see more positive attitudes to mental health, especially with festivals like First Fortnight in recent years.
So, what do oral health and mental health have in common?
A study was carried out in 2022 which found that those with mental health issues were less likely to have good oral health when compared to those without mental health issues. It was observed that people who suffer with depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress-disorder have higher rates of decayed, missing and filled teeth. Visiting the dentist was also less common.
There are other reasons too, such as some medications may cause dry mouth by reducing the flow of saliva in the mouth, which then increases the risk of decay.
Good oral health may boost your mental health as it supports feelings of well-being. Begin with a positive daily oral hygiene routine by brushing your teeth twice a day and drinking water instead of surgery drinks.
Like mental health, oral health is essential for overall health and wellbeing, no matter what age you are.
Having a healthy smile is good for you and may help you achieve better mental well-being. See our tips HERE for keeping oral health in mind.