The Link Between Depression and Poor Oral Health

Studies show that depression sufferers are likely to have worse oral health.

Depression can take many forms and can range from the relatively minor to the full blown depression which is extremely debilitating. Thankfully, the medical profession has a much better understanding of the illness than in the past and there are now many effective medications and therapies which can at least help, if not entirely cure, this problem.

The very nature of depression often takes away a person’s capability, or even desire, to take good care of themselves and this includes their health. A person suffering from depression is likely to get little exercise and may well also eat a poor diet. Recent studies have shown that oral health in depressions sufferers is poor too.

Diet

One reason that someone suffering from depression is likely to have poor oral health is their diet. Most sufferers will not eat a reasonably well balanced diet but will, instead, automatically opt for ‘comfort’ foods. These often contain high levels of fat and sugars which will, of course, cause havoc with the enamel on the person’s teeth.

In addition to this, personal hygiene can take a turn for the worse and brushing the teeth may well go out of the window during the spell of depression. Not only does this mean that the sugar will remain on the enamel of the teeth and attack it but also allows the bacteria that cause gum disease to thrive and advance to a stage where dental treatment may be needed to reverse it.

Dental Care

Inevitably, when a person is suffering from depression, they are more likely to miss dental appointments and go for long periods of time when they are not seen by one of the professional dentists at our Derby practice.

This generally means that problems that would normally be caught in the early stages, such as gingivitis, are left to become worse. This may lead to periodontitis which attacks not only the gums, but the bone in the jaw which holds the teeth in place.

When this occurs, the teeth become loose and fall out leaving the person with additional feelings of low self esteem.

Solutions

The  dentists at Darren Bywater Dental Implant Centre in Derby are not trained to treat depression itself as we are not doctors, however, what we are able to do is to help restore a person’s dental health once they are on the road to recovery.

For those who have not seen a dentist for a long period of time and have lost teeth through a disease such as periodontitis, we are able to fit the latest dental implants which will not only restore function, but will help the person to feel better about themselves – often as a useful step on the road to recovery from illnesses such as depression.

If you need any help or advice about the dental implant procedure, please call our reception team on 01332 550933.

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