Mental health and dental health They are closely linked, a reality that often goes unnoticed, but is of vital importance for the general well-being of people. In particular, chronic pain resulting from untreated dental problems can become a significant risk factor for mental health, generating a cycle of discomfort that affects quality of life.
Pain is a subjective experienceBut when it becomes chronic and constant, as can be the case with a decayed tooth or an infected tooth, its effects go beyond the physical. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes that chronic painincluding toothache, This can lead to mood disorders, anxiety and depression. This unrelenting pain not only interferes with the ability to enjoy daily life, but also affects sleep, appetite and the ability to interact with others.
Chronic dental pain can become an obstacle to socialization, generating isolation that, over time, contributes to the onset of mental disorders. The constant worry of pain, discomfort when speaking or eating and lack of rest Adequate care is a factor that can trigger or worsen mental health problems. Additionally, chronic pain can alter a person’s perception of themselves, reducing self-esteem and increasing feelings of hopelessness.
Elderly people
Elderly and dependent people They are particularly vulnerable to this link between dental health and mental health. Older people often have a greater number of untreated oral health problems, due to difficulties in accessing dental treatmentslack of mobility or the belief that dental problems are inevitable with age. This neglect can lead to serious problems such as infections, tooth loss and chronic pain, which has a negative impact on their mental health. That is why we describe the most relevant impacts of this silent disease that causes mental problems:
Psychological and social impact:
Visible dental problems, such as cavities, missing teeth, bad breath, or periodontal disease, They can affect self-esteem and self-confidence. These problems can lead to social anxiety and avoidance of situations in which the person is expected to interact with others, which can lead to social isolation.
Chronic pain:
Oral diseases can cause chronic pain, such as advanced periodontal disease or dental abscesses.
Constant pain can contribute to irritability, difficulty sleep and, in severe cases, can lead to mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Depression and anxiety
People suffering from depression and anxiety may neglect their oral hygiene, making it worse dental problems. Depression can lead to a lack of motivation to complete daily tasks, including oral cleaning, and chronic stress can increase susceptibility to inflammatory diseases, including gum disease.
Two-way relationship:
Studies have shown that there is a bidirectional relationship between oral health and mental health: poor oral health can affect mental health and, in turn, poor mental health can lead to deterioration of dental care. For example, chronic stress and anxiety disorders can lead to habits such as bruxism (teeth grinding), which can damage teeth and jaw.
Use of medications:
Some medications used to treat mental disorders, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, can cause dry mouth (xerostomia), which increases the risk of cavities and periodontal disease.
Additionally, some medications may affect oral hygiene due to their side effects on motor coordination or sedation.
Impact on children and adolescents:
In children and adolescents, dental problems can impact their social and emotional development. They may be teased or embarrassed about the appearance of their teeth, which can have a lasting effect on their self-esteem and mental health.
Conclusion
The Link Between Oral Health and Mental Health highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to health care. It is essential that dental and mental health professionals work together to identify and treat these issues in an integrated manner. Improving oral health can have a positive impact not only on physical appearance and function, but also on psychological well-being and overall quality of life.
In this context, the Sermade dental clinic stands out for its commitment to the overall well-being of these people, by providing specialized dental care that addresses dental problems and takes into account emotional needs and the mental health of their patients. The clinic understands that a person-centered approach is essential to improving quality of life and preventing mental decline associated with chronic pain.
