{"id":83,"date":"2022-12-07T22:10:08","date_gmt":"2022-12-07T22:10:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.chardonsmilecenter.com\/blog\/?p=83"},"modified":"2023-01-17T22:28:41","modified_gmt":"2023-01-17T22:28:41","slug":"how-depression-impacts-your-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.chardonsmilecenter.com\/blog\/?p=83","title":{"rendered":"How Depression Impacts Your Oral Health"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Being depressed can affect many aspects of your life. People suffering from depression may find it difficult to adequately take care of themselves, go to work or school, and enjoy spending time with loved ones. Though the way that depression affects your mood is often discussed, there are also ways that it can harm your smile. Continue reading to learn how this common mental health concern can affect your oral health<\/a> as well as ways to fight back against depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Depression and Oral Health Are Related<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One way that depression can affect your oral health is by making you feel less motivated to take care of your smile. People suffering from this condition often find it difficult to practice basic health and hygiene, and this extends to pearly whites. They may also have trouble motivating themselves to attend regular dental visits. As a result, the risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems will go up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A 2019 study from the journal Nature Communications<\/em> also stated that researchers may have found a connection between the mouth and depressive symptoms. This means that one\u2019s mental health may be directly tied to their oral health and vice versa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This discovery has been backed by other studies, including one done by the University of Washington\u2019s dental education program. They suggest that depression may trigger decreased salivary flow, which means a higher risk of oral health issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 Ways to Fight Back Against Depression for a Healthier Beam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While the field of dentistry doesn’t focus on mental health, a combination of dental and personal steps may help you overcome oral health issues caused by depression. This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n