The link between depression and teeth.

Depression is one of the most common mental health issues in the world. When you or someone you love is struggling with depression, it can be easy to overlook oral health. Yet maintaining good oral care is an important factor in your overall mental health.

Depression can lead to poor oral hygiene, poor nutrition, avoidance of necessary dental care.

But the connection between depression and oral health doesn’t end here. Few other oral problems are related to depression like-

Many people who have been suffering from depression also have been diagnosed with an aching mouth due to excessive clenching of teeth.
Due to excessive clenching patients also report with problems in jaw joints like pain and restricted jaw movements.
In depression certain body hormones like cortisol are increased which causes various gum (periodontal) diseases.
Depression is also linked to high risked behavior like smoking, alcohol, drug abuse. these are associated with oral damage.
The side effects from medications can also cause dry mouth leasing to increased risk of teeth decay.

Now if someone is suffering from depression what can they do maintain a proper oral health

Always tell your dentist whichever medicine you are taking so that they can manage the side effects. It is also important to let your physician know if your dentist have prescribed any medicine for you.

Try to stay active.
Eat healthy fruits and vegetables.
Brush, floss and rinse your mouth twice daily.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help for your depression from your family, friends or from your physician.

Live happy, be happy

Comments

How do I ensure a healthy mouth for my baby? A dentist and mother's perspective. Part 1: Brushing

Taking care of baby's teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts in the mouth is very important to prevent decay occurring in teeth later in life. There is a lot of confusion in parents regarding how to clean the teeth, which brush to use, and which paste to use. Read on to solve all your queries! 1. When to start brushing? Ideally you should start brushing even before the teeth have erupted, when the baby is 3-4 month old. Gently cleaning the gum pads and tongue with gauze wrapped around the finger helps in cleaning mouth. Massaging action with the gauze helps to soothe irritation on gums when teeth erupt. It also makes the baby accustomed to brushing. 2. Which brush to use? After the teeth erupt you can start to use a finger brush as they are soft, gentle and sterilisable and gradually progress to baby tooth brushes once the baby is over an year old. 3. Which tooth paste to use? Initially no toothpaste is required. Wet the brush with water and you are good to go....

Mr Akhil Prakash talks about his experience at Veda Dentistry and Cosme...

Joining the 5 am club...is it doable?

I have been thinking a lot about joining the 5 am club... Not just thinking I have been there done that. And I was so productive when I used to wake up at 5 am. I keep getting on-track and off-track. Daily my alarm rings at 5 am and lately I have been pressing the snooze button more often than not. I keep fooling myself that because of yesterday's hectic day I need to reward myself with a little more sleep. After waking up almost an hour later, I realize I have lost so much of my productive time... Because for me 5 to 7.30 am is the most productive hour of the day when there is no one to disturb me, my kid is happily sleeping and the house is quiet. So what is stopping me.. A little laziness :) . Lets get back on track! A shout out to other members of the 5 am club and anyone else who will take the challenge with me. Get up at 5 am for 10 consecutive days and tick something off your To-Do list.

Shruti @ Veda

Search This Blog