Heather Schneider, DDS
Submitted photo
By Heather Schneider, DDS | Delta Dental of Arizona
This May, National Mental Health Month’s theme, “Turn Awareness into Action,” encourages individuals of all ages and communities to take proactive steps to care for their own mental health and the well-being of others. Small actions lead to big change, and people can take simple steps towards wellness in many ways, one of which is right under our noses. Literally.
An unhealthy mouth can throw off the balance of your gut, and when the gut is out of sync, the brain feels it. That’s because the gut plays a key role in producing mood-boosting chemicals. Without a balanced gut, symptoms like anxiety, brain fog, low mood and even depression can show up. In other words, oral health doesn’t just affect your teeth, it can influence your entire body, including your mental clarity and emotional well-being.
In fact, the Delta Dental of Arizona Oral Health and Wellness Report finds that three in four adults, on average, say oral health is closely related to mental health. As it relates to generational data, 71% of Gen X and Boomers are making the connection, while 76% of Gen Z and 82% of Millennials feel strongly there is a direct relationship between the two.
Diving deeper into the findings, 23% of all respondents reported direct feelings of anxiety because of their oral health; 21% reported embarrassment over their appearance; 20% lost sleep over oral health; and 19% experienced direct feelings of sadness related to oral health.
The bottom line: healthy mouth, healthy mind, healthy body — they’re all connected.
While brushing twice a day, flossing once a day and scheduling regular preventative visits with the dentists are important, there are other simple actions you can take right now to improve your oral health, mental well-being and overall wellness that may be less obvious.
1. Stop tobacco use
Tobacco use reduces blood flow to the mouth and gums, creates a compromised immune system, slows recovery from dental procedures, and creates bad breath. These symptoms easily put tobacco users at risk for serious health conditions like lung cancer and heart disease. Plus, nicotine can act as a stimulant that increases anxiety and stress over time leading to higher rates of mental health issues.
2. Work toward a full night’s sleep
Lack of rest negatively affects the entire immune system, making it easier for bacteria and germs to cause issues like canker or cold sores and increase the risk of gum disease. Poor sleep is also directly connected to bad breath! But it’s not just physical health — sleep plays a big role in mental health too. Without enough rest, you’re more likely to feel stressed, anxious or down.
3. Prioritize your oral health at every stage of life
It’s also important to consider how life changes — like pregnancy, menopause and other health conditions — can influence both oral health, mental well-being and overall wellness.
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can make gums more sensitive and increase the risk of problems like gum disease and gingivitis. These changes can cause discomfort or worry, which may also affect a woman’s mental health during an already emotional time. On the other hand, menopause brings its own set of challenges. Shifting hormones can lead to dry mouth, receding gums, bone loss, and even tooth loss.
As men age, naturally lower testosterone levels can contribute to tooth loss and gum recession. These hormonal changes may also increase the risk of chronic gum disease. Research has even found a link between gum disease and erectile dysfunction.
4. Maintain a healthy diet
Food is medicine for the mind, body, and mouth! What you eat doesn’t just fuel your body — it can also support your mental health. Fruits and vegetables are good options for a healthy diet because they are packed with vitamins and minerals that support both physical and emotional well-being. So, when a sweet tooth strikes, skip the cookies and cake in favor of fresh fruits like strawberries or a juicy slice of watermelon. And take advantage of the summer season to enjoy colorful and delicious vegetables like cucumbers, peppers, green beans, peas, radishes, tomatoes, and zucchini.
Mental health can’t wait. Turn awareness into action by making these small changes to support your oral health, mental well-being and overall wellness.
Editor’s note: Heather Schneider, DDS is dental director at Scottsdale-based Delta Dental of Arizona. She lives in Mesa. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
