06 issue
may ‘22
Generations of Smiles Oral Health & Brain Health ... At Every Age and Every Stage
How Oral Health Impacts Mental Health (And Vice Versa)
Quality care from sea to shining sea.
Oral Health & Mental Health: A Close Look at a Close Link With famous role models publicly discussing anxiety, depression and other once-taboo struggles, mental health is finally getting the attention it deserves. And as more people open up, I hope they also open wide. Research is finding there is a two-way link between oral health and mental health. It is increasingly clear that good oral hygiene combined1 with appropriate mental health care access is important for a person’s whole-body health. Studies have found mental health disorders such as depression can exacerbate2 oral health issues, and that oral health problems can decrease a person’s self-esteem and increase their depression. People experiencing depression and anxiety, for example, report3 a higher perception of pain from oral health problems, such as burning mouth syndrome. One study4, titled “No Mental Health without Oral Health,” called for a closer collaboration between mental health professionals and dentists, noting that dentists might be the first health care professionals to identify eating disorders and other mental health issues. By staying on top of your dental appointments, getting regular cleanings and keeping up with your daily brushing and flossing routine, you not only benefit your teeth, but your entire wellbeing — physical and mental. If you are experiencing depression, anxiety or other mental health issues, please talk to your doctor and seek help. And as you consider your mental health care, don’t forget to also keep seeing your dentist. Because when it comes to mental health, it is important that we open up — and open wide. Until next time,
Carolyn Ghazal, DDS Smile Generation®-Trusted Dentist
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Keep smiling! It is good for your mental health.
Contents How Mental Health Affects Oral Health (And Vice Versa) Don’t feel like brushing? Learn about the many ways oral health can impact mental health, both positively and negatively.
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Do you know your OQ? Your oral health quotient could have a big impact on your overall health. Take the test and learn how a healthier future STARTS with a healthy mouth!
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Why Poor Oral Health Can Affect Your Ability to Learn Get ready to wrap some floss around your fingers and wrap your head around the helpful link between oral health and brain health.
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The Science Behind Why You’re Scared of Going to the Dentist Oral health professionals are the nicest people on the planet! So why the fear and anxiety around dental visits? We reveal the really-not-so-painful truth!
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Boost your brain and give your taste buds a treat! If what to eat is what’s on your mind, think about these healthy options that could actually do your brain cells a solid.
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Smile Stories See how Smile Generation is making a beautiful difference in Uganda.
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The Mouth-Brain Connection: How Mental Health Affects Oral Health (And Vice Versa)
The mouth-mind connection is particularly strong in people with eating disorders2. In fact, it is often a dentist who identifies bulimia, which introduces frequent harsh stomach acids that wears away tooth enamel, or anorexia, which deprives the body of nutrients needed to maintain strong teeth and bones.
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“An eating disorder leaves telltale signs of damage to the teeth or mouth. ertain mental health Sometimes, dentists are the first conditions can cause people clinicians in a patient’s life who can to lose interest in personal hygiene. identify anorexia or bulimia,” said Depression, in particular, deprives Dr. Charles Rodgers, Vice President people of the motivation for self-care. of Clinical Quality at Pacific Dental The question gnawing at dentists, Services. “As dentists, we are then, is when a person feels as though committed to helping connect our there is nothing to smile about, what patients to the right resources for their happens to their smile in the long run? total health.”
Researchers have discovered a significant link between oral care and mental health, with one researcher asserting1 that, there can be “no mental health without oral health.” That is because poor oral health leads to: • • • • •
Lower self-esteem Increased anxiety Deepening depression Physical pain Inability to eat properly
Meanwhile, mental health conditions can impact oral health through: • Neglecting daily oral care • Eating unhealthy foods • Overuse of alcohol or use of harmful illegal substances • Skipping dental appointments
Mental health clinicians are equally eager to work with their oral health counterparts toward the shared goal of whole person health. In fact, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing consulted with dentists to develop a toolkit for dentists, psychiatrists and substance abuse specialists to integrate their care3. “Emerging evidence suggests that more coordinated or integrated oral, mental health and substance use treatment services can increase access to needed care, improve patient outcomes and potentially 7
reduce health care costs,” the council authors wrote. Dr. Rodgers hopes this will result in healthier, happier and better caredfor patients. “It is challenging for patients to take care of their dental issues if
they are psychologically hurting. And conversely, patients who are suffering or are dealing with tooth loss suffer mentally as well,” Rodgers said. “Addressing oral issues can have an incredibly important effect on a person’s mental health — and vice-versa.”
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W
hat if there was something you could do every day that would help your brain health, improve your memory and actually boost your learning abilities as you got older?
Similarly, because a person with pain in their mouth might not want to eat certain foods, the potential nutritional value that might have been beneficial to the brain is lost.
Well, there is something you can do. It’s as simple as keeping your mouth healthy.
Finally, once brain ability declines, there’s the further potential that dental health may worsen because of reduced attention to oral hygiene.
There is plenty of evidence that shows poor oral health can lead to or worsen a host of illnesses and disorders, including heart disease, inflammation and diabetes. In the brain alone, gum disease can increase the risk for strokes or dementia and Alzheimer’s disease1. Now, some studies are showing that poor oral health can affect things like cognitive function, memory and learning loss.
How does that happen? Generally, having cavities or gum disease can lead to inflammation that travels through similar pathways that lead to the brain2. Not only can that inflammation lead to increased risk of strokes or other brain diseases, but it can affect the way the brain works. Thus, cognitive functions that we use every day, such as remembering, learning new skills and solving problems are diminished.
People typically think about older adults when it comes to poor oral health and the brain, but children and younger adults can also be affected. Early tooth loss caused by tooth decay can result in a failure to thrive, speech delay and reduced self-esteem. Left untreated, the pain and infection caused by tooth decay can result in problems with eating, speaking, attentiveness and learning3. With that said, there are things you can do to help your brain and ensure that your mind is in tip-top shape. First off, make sure you’re brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing and seeing your dentist regularly. If you have any bleeding, pain or other dental and health problems, let your dentist know. For younger children, ask your dentist if they need extra protection, such as dental sealants. Keeping your brain healthy follows the same rules as making sure the rest of your body is fit: Eating well, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep. So keep taking care of your mouth. Your brain will remember to thank you.
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THE SCIENCE BEHIND
Why You're Scared of Going to the Dentist Snakes, death, clowns … the dentist? When it comes to things people seem to fear, the dentist always seems to spring to mind. But why is that? Why does visiting a dental professional – whose job is to care for your mouth and gums – provoke such anxiety and dread? After years of studies and scientific evidence, the reason is clear: It’s your brain. Now, it’s not exactly that simple, but nearly all dental fear and anxiety comes down to the psychology happening inside people’s brains1.
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Nearly half of all people are believed to have some sort of dental fear or anxiety, with a small percentage suffering from extreme worry. And where that fear stems from can vary, depending on past experiences, trauma or how people and ideas shape your thoughts. The main psychological culprit of dental fear2 seems to come from past traumatic dental experiences, usually in childhood. If a person had a bad experience with a dentist – a root canal, pulled tooth or negative interactions with dental staff – when they were younger, those harrowing episodes can follow us as adults. Another reason for anxiety can be based on fearing the sound of a dental drill, or a numbing injection, or seeing blood. Hearing loved ones’ negative experiences or seeing dental visits depicted as unpleasant in TV shows, movies and advertisements can reinforce that notion as well3. There’s also evidence that suggests some people are genetically predisposed4 to fear pain and experience dental anxiety. As with any fear, though, there are things that can be done to calm us back down.
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• First, discuss any fears you might have – however small it may seem – with your dentist. They may have techniques and strategies to ease your fears and help you overcome any specific anxieties. • Second, try some cognitivebehavioral exercises such as muscle relaxation, intentional breathing and replacing negative thoughts with positive ones5. If doing it on your own doesn’t alleviate your anxiety, you might think about seeking professional help with a psychologist or therapist. • Lastly, be careful with using nitrous oxide or medications to help with fear at the dentist. If the only way a patient can get through a dental experience is with medicine, then they may become more reliant on the medication6. Facing your fears is never easy, but dental anxiety doesn’t need to be one of them. Your dentist wants your teeth and gums to be healthy, which in turn can do wonders for your overall physical and mental health as well.
Because, while fear stems from your brain, you shouldn’t be scared out of your mind.
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Fatty fish is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, a major building block of the brain. Omega-3s play a role in sharpening memory and improving mood, as well as protecting your brain against cognitive decline. Broccoli contains a number of compounds that have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, including vitamin K. Eggs are a rich source of several B vitamins and choline, which are important for regulating mood and promoting proper brain function and development. Dark chocolate flavonoids in chocolate may help protect the brain. Studies have suggested that eating chocolate, especially dark chocolate, could boost both memory and mood.
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants that may delay brain aging and improve memory. Nuts contain a host of brainboosting nutrients, including vitamin E, healthy fats, and plant compounds.
Oranges and other foods that are high in vitamin C can help defend your brain against damage from free radicals.
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The Gift of Clean Water Journey with charity: water into Uganda See how our partner charity: water worked to make a difference in Lake Victoria, Uganda. You’ll meet a family whose life has been forever changed.
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Healthie Happi Generations of Smiles A Smile Generation Magazine
LET'S DO THIS AGAIN! The Smile Generation exists to connect you with trusted dentists in your area and to offer education on the critical link between oral and overall health. We’d love to know what you think of our magazine.
DROP US A NOTE!
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Sources Mental Health and Oral Health: A Close Look at a Close Link 1. How mental health affects oral health, Nature.com, August 31, 2021 2. Dental implications of mood disorders, National Library of Medicine/Center for Biotechnology Information, Sept-Oct 2004 3. Burning mouth syndrome: a review on diagnosis and treatment, National Library of Medicine/Center for Biotechnology Information, Oct-Dec 2014 4. No Mental Health without Oral Health, National Library of Medicine/Center for Biotechnology Information, May 2016
The Mouth-Brain Connection: How Mental Health Affects Oral Health (And Vice Versa) 1. No Mental Health without Oral Health, National Library of Medicine/Center for Biotechnology Information, May 2016 2. Complications of Eating Disorders, NationalEatingDisorders.org 3. Oral Health, Mental Health, and Substance Use Treatment, TheNationalCouncil.org
Why Poor Oral Health Can Affect Your Ability To Learn 1. How Oral Health May Affect Your Heart, Brain and Risk of Death, American Heart Association, March 19, 2021 2. Oral Health and Cognitive Function in Older Adults, Karger.com, 2019 3. Oral Health and Learning, When Children’s Oral Health Suffers, So Does Their Ability to Learn, MCHOralHealth.org
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The Science Behind Why You're Scared of Going to the Dentist 1. Psychological disorder, conditioning experiences, and the onset of dental anxiety in early adulthood, National Library of Medicine/Center for Biotechnology Information, June 2001 2. Why are People Afraid of the Dentist? National Library of Medicine/Center for Biotechnology Information, July 2014 3. Why are People Afraid of the Dentist? National Library of Medicine/Center for Biotechnology Information, July 2014 4. Drilling Down on Dental Fears, American Psychological Association, March 2016 5. Dreading Your Next Trip To The Dentist? Science Daily, October 13, 2016 6. Dreading Your Next Trip To The Dentist? Science Daily, October 13, 2016 7. Drilling Down on Dental Fears, American Psychological Association, March 2016
Healthy Foods For Your Brain 1. 11 Best Foods to Boost Your Brain and Memory, Healthline, June 21, 2021
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