Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, has been known to cause some serious physical health issues over the years. But could it affect your mental health as well? Recent studies have shown that gum disease could have a detrimental effect on your mental health, and it’s imperative to visit your dentist immediately if you notice any signs of gum disease – even in mild cases. Read on to learn more about gum disease and mental health problems.
1. Can Cause Depression and Anxiety Disorders
Did you know that your oral health can affect your mood? Studies have shown a link between gum disease and mental health. A buildup of plaque in the mouth often leads to tooth decay, periodontal disease, cavities, or even infections like gingivitis. These conditions can affect not only your mouth but also lead to issues with other parts of the body as well.
There are many links between poor oral hygiene and depression or anxiety disorders. The release of serotonin from nerves in the mouth due to bacteria in plaque stimulates dopamine production in the brain. Dopamine, however, has been linked to depression and anxiety disorders. If you’re in New Zealand, this Gisborne dentist treats gum disease with nurturing care. They use quality materials to ensure a beautiful smile for years. If you want to keep your teeth healthy, take care of them before it’s too late!
2. It Affects Your Mood
Oral health is crucial to overall wellness. You should brush your teeth twice daily, floss once daily, and schedule regular dental visits. Otherwise, you may develop gum disease, leading to bad breath, tooth decay, pain, infection, and eventually tooth loss if left untreated. These complications can easily affect one’s mood because they are at risk for all the adverse side effects listed above.
For example, with bad breath, it can be challenging to interact with others and feel confident in social settings, thus affecting your mood. One may develop mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder if untreated. If you’re experiencing any of these periodontal disease symptoms, it’s time to see your dentist as soon as possible!
3. It Decreases Mental Focus
When you have gum disease, your body is in a constant state of inflammation. The inflammation can lead to decreased mental focus and an overall feeling of fatigue. Additionally, the bacteria from gum disease can enter your bloodstream and travel to your brain, where it can cause cognitive problems.
Also, pain due to periodontal disease may affect your memory and concentration levels and make you more susceptible to anxiety and depression. And if that wasn’t enough, research has found that people with periodontitis are more likely to suffer from dementia and Alzheimer’s. With dental problems on the rise, more online content is appearing about dental matters and their link to other health issues. If you’re having trouble concentrating or remembering things, it might be time for a checkup with your dentist.
4. It Affects Your Sleep
Poor sleep is a leading cause of many mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and dementia. Gum disease can cause sleep problems in two ways: first, the pain from gum disease can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep; second, gum disease can cause inflammation throughout the body, leading to poor sleep quality.
Sleep disorders can also lead to suicidal thoughts. Some studies have shown that individuals with insomnia have more than double the risk for suicide ideation than those without insomnia. The relationship between lack of sleep and suicide is so strong that patients admitted for an episode of major depressive disorder with comorbid insomnia are three times more likely to complete suicide than those who have no diagnosis.
5. It Results In a Lack Of Self-Confidence
A recent study has found a link between gum disease and mental health issues. The study found that people with gum disease are more likely to suffer from a lack of self-confidence. That can lead to social anxiety and depression.
If you have gum disease, it is crucial to seek treatment from a dentist. Treating your gum disease may improve your mental health. Taking good care of your teeth could be as simple as brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and making regular visits to an experienced dentist.
Conclusion
Researchers have found links between periodontal disease and mental health, such as depression and anxiety. Symptoms of periodontal disease include tooth loss, chronic bad breath, and inflammation in the gums. These symptoms also indicate other conditions like diabetes or osteoporosis, so getting a professional diagnosis is essential if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. Suppose you think you may be experiencing these issues. In that case, it’s best to talk to your dentist immediately so they can diagnose the problem and devise a treatment plan to avoid mental health issues and enjoy having healthy teeth and gums.
