Most people don’t associate mental health with oral health. However, as with other aspects of your well-being, mental health plays a significant role in whether your teeth, gums, and mouth are at their best. Our Empire Dental Care team offers dental care in Webster that considers dental anxiety and other mental health issues. We are committed to making it easier for you to get the care you need.
Understanding the Connection Between Mental Health and Oral Health
Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions that affect 40 million adults in the United States.1 These conditions include2:
- Generalized anxiety
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Panic disorder
- Phobias
- Social anxiety disorder
Anxiety Disorder
People who have an anxiety disorder tend to have dental anxiety as well. This is even more likely if you have anxiety and depression that co-occur.3 Anxiety disorders often result from fear of the unknown, and going to a dentist appointment can trigger that fear.
OCD and Bipolar Disorder
Those with conditions like OCD or bipolar disorder may engage in over-brushing as part of their compulsive or manic behaviors. Over-brushing causes your tooth enamel to erode, along with the dentin. Over-brushing can also lead to gum recession. People experiencing depression often neglect their oral hygiene, putting them at risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Eating Disorder
Eating disorders are also serious mental health conditions that impact not just your overall well-being but your oral health as well. Bulimia is particularly dangerous not only because those with the disorder tend to eat a lot of sugary foods but also because vomiting brings up acid that damages your tooth enamel. Eating disorders also lead to calcium deficiencies, which impact teeth and other oral structures.4
The Effects of Antidepressants on Oral Health
Treatment of mental health concerns usually involves the use of antidepressants. Many antidepressants cause dry mouth, reducing the amount of saliva you create. Saliva provides minerals to help remineralize tooth enamel while also helping to neutralize acids and maintain a healthy pH level.5 Without enough saliva, the acids that the bacteria create can damage your enamel, potentially leading to cavities.
Dental Phobia and How to Manage It Before Dental Care in Webster
Dental phobias affect many people. A dental phobia is an anxiety or fear associated with a dental setting. This level of fear or anxiety often keeps people from going to the dentist when needed, so oral issues are not caught until they have advanced enough to cause discomfort or pain.
Different Types of Dental Anxiety
There are two main types of dental anxieties: those caused by previous negative dental experiences (exogenous) and those derived from other mental health conditions (endogenous).6 For many people, traumatic experiences during childhood lead to this phobia. However, you may not have clear memories of the experiences, leading to even more stress because you assume your fear is irrational.
Anxiety levels are at their worst when patients need surgical procedures or more invasive treatments. There’s also a connection between anxiety levels and the personality and attitude of the dentist. People are less likely to experience severe anxiety or trauma from invasive procedures if the dentist is friendly and caring.7
How to Manage Your Dental Anxiety Before Getting Dental Care in Webster
Because going to the dentist is essential for your oral health, finding ways of managing your anxiety is important. For instance, consider practicing relaxation and breathing techniques while waiting for your appointment. For some people, visiting the location before the appointment is helpful, allowing you to remove some of the “unknown” elements that might be stressing you. This also gives you a chance to meet the staff.
At Empire Dental Care, we specialize in gentle care. We understand that dental anxieties have the potential to be overwhelming, so we are here to put you at ease. Let us know if you or a loved one is dealing with this type of anxiety. Our team will do everything possible to put you at ease and help you manage.
Get Gentle and Compassionate Dental Care in Webster
If you struggle with anxiety, going to the dentist can be challenging. Generalized anxiety often translates into the fear of the unknown. This is a common worry when getting dental procedures, especially if you have never had them.
At Empire Dental Care, we are dedicated to offering gentle care in dentistry so that you have the best possible experience when you turn to us. With years of experience offering general dentistry services as well as cosmetic and preventive dentistry, along with our excellent financing options, you can get the care you deserve.
For professional dental care in Webster, contact Empire Dental Care at 585-671-1650.
Sources:
[1] https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics
[2] https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disorders
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5314953/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10071677/
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8669010/
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5586885/
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4790493/
