Share This Article
July is Mental Illness Awareness Month – a month dedicated to creating awareness around psychiatric conditions and mental health. Surprising to note is that mental illness can have a significant impact on a person’s oral health.
Dirna Grobbelaar, oral hygiene advisor for Ivohealth, and a member of the Oral Hygienists Association of South Africa (OHASA), explains how mental health can impact your oral health, with expert advice on how to maintain oral wellness:
Neglecting oral hygiene: People experiencing mental health issues may struggle with maintaining regular oral hygiene habits. Symptoms such as fatigue, lack of motivation, or difficulty concentrating can make it challenging to prioritize proper brushing, interdental cleaning, rinsing, and regular dental check-ups.
Tip: “Make a conscious effort to follow a regular oral hygiene routine,” says Grobbelaar. “Set reminders on your phone and make it easier by using tools like an electric toothbrush. A good option is an electric brush like the GUM Sonic Sensitive – which is designed especially for people with sensitive teeth and bleeding gums, or the GUM Sonic Daily – both of which have soft tapered bristles that remove up to 50% more plaque from between the teeth than a manual toothbrush and reach deeper below the gum line.”
Grobbelaar notes that it is also important to clean between your teeth and to make this task easier by picking an interdental cleaning method that you enjoy. “Thankfully there is a multitude of tools available to make cleaning in between your teeth simple and easy. Floss is the most common, and there are many different types,such as GUM Expanding Floss or new minty green tea flavoured GUM Twisted Floss. If you don’t like flossing, try GUM Soft-Picks, which are tiny, easy-to-use picks with super-soft rubber bristles or an interdental brush, like the reusable GUM Bi-Direction which has a 90-degree bendable head and antibacterial bristles.
Medication side effects: Certain medications used to treat psychiatric conditions, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics, can cause dry mouth (xerostomia) as a side effect. Reduced saliva flow can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections.
Tip: “Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and use GUM Hydral Moisturising Spray – a super-convenient on-the-go solution to help alleviate dry mouth. Rinse your mouth regularly, using an alcohol-free mouthwash like Dentyl Dual Action which hydrates and soothes oral tissue and provides superior plaque-fighting capabilities. Rinsing with Dentyl has been clinically proven to help freshen breath for up to 12 hours,” says Grobbelaar.
Unhealthy coping mechanisms: Some people with mental illness may engage in unhealthy coping mechanisms such as smoking, which has a detrimental effect on oral health, including an increased risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer.
Tip: Quitting smoking can greatly benefit your overall health and oral health. However, quitting is easier said than done and so Grobbelaar advises that it is important for smokers to brush correctly twice a day with a soft-bristled brush, ideally using a toothpaste like GUM Paroex. Clean between the teeth daily, and after smoking rinse or brush with Thryve Mouth Salts or a mouth rinse like GUM Paroex which contains chlorhexidine and CPC.
“Also have a professional cleaning at least every six months. Look for a practice offering EMS Guided Biofilm Therapy, a breakthrough oral hygiene treatment that is extremely gentle but provides superior plaque removal. As a smoker it’s very important to see a dental professional regularly to help minimize risks and improve your oral health,” says Grobbelaar.
Teeth grinding and jaw clenching: Mental health conditions like anxiety, stress, or depression can lead to teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching. These habits can cause tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, and even damage to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Tip: Engage in stress-reducing activities such as exercise, meditation, and deep breathing exercises. Additionally, wearing a mouthguard at night can protect your teeth from the effects of grinding.
Oral health is an essential part of overall well-being. If you’re experiencing mental health challenges, it’s important to seek appropriate professional help and support. Your healthcare provider or dentist can provide personalized advice and treatment options to address both your mental health and oral health needs.
For further advice on how to maintain fresh breath and a healthy mouth read this article or chat to your dental professional.