{"id":429,"date":"2022-12-20T03:19:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-20T03:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wethersfielddentalgroup.com\/blog\/?p=429"},"modified":"2023-02-08T20:48:09","modified_gmt":"2023-02-08T20:48:09","slug":"connection-between-depression-and-tooth-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wethersfielddentalgroup.com\/blog\/2022\/12\/20\/connection-between-depression-and-tooth-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Depression Links to Bad Dental Health?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"SadYour teeth are important for more than just a beautiful smile. There\u2019s endless evidence supporting a link between oral and general health. While you might know about gum disease\u2019s connection to cardiovascular disease or tooth loss\u2019s relation to nutritional deficiencies, did you know your oral and mental health can be closely entwined? Research has found people struggling with anxiety and depression have an increased risk of tooth loss, and here\u2019s why.\u00a0<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n\n\n

Depression and Dental Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health conditions in the United States. 40 million adults have an anxiety-related disorder, while 1 in 10 Americans also have depression. Unfortunately, 80% of people with clinical depression don\u2019t seek treatment. Researchers have found chronic or complex health issues are attributed to poor dental health, like gum disease and tooth decay, which are preventable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adults with depression or anxiety are more likely to have bad oral hygiene habits at home and skip regular dental care. As a result, preventable problems like cavities and gum disease can go undetected and untreated, which can lead to the loss of a tooth. With each tooth that\u2019s lost, your oral health will continue to decline until it can compromise your ability to eat certain foods, which can cause nutritional deficiencies that harm your wellness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although teeth are meant to last for a lifetime, 120 million Americans are missing at least one. While there are many reasons behind tooth loss, cavities and gum disease are the leading culprits. Research has found that 1 in 4 adults have untreated decay and 50% of Americans have gum disease. Your risk of both can increase if you live with depression or anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Combating Depression and Anxiety<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you don\u2019t have the motivation to brush your teeth or your palms sweat at just the thought of visiting a dentist, your overall well-being relies on a healthy smile. You can safeguard your dental health and boost your wellness by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n