Is Depression Impacting Your Oral Health?

In the United States alone, as of 2023, an estimated 29% of adults have been diagnosed with depression. This is nearly 10% higher than data collected in 2015. The difficult part of dealing with depression is that it can impact nearly every facet of your life, from your emotional wellbeing to your physical and oral health. While you may not realize it, symptoms of your depression may be increasing your risk of certain dental health issues, like cavities, ultimately leading to worsening anxiety, apathy, or other symptoms of your condition.  

How Can Depression Impact Your Oral Health?

Depression can have an impact on everything from your mood and sleep to your cognitive and behavioral actions. Because of this, many people who deal with this condition find it difficult to find the motivation to take care of themselves, from showering and cleaning their environment to brushing and flossing their teeth. In many cases, oral health practices are some of the first routines to be lost.

Studies have also shown physiological connections between depression and oral health, like findings published by the University of Washington’s dental education program that connected decreased saliva flow to depression. Dry mouth and minimal saliva production has been shown to increase cavities.

What Can You Do to Manage Your Health with Depression?

There are several ways you can help manage your oral health if you have depression, keeping the two issues from colliding and having a snowball effect on your overall wellness. Some of these practices include:

• Seek Help from a Therapist: If you notice that you’re experiencing signs of depression, you should first seek out help from a trained professional, which could be a therapist, counselor, or primary care physician.
• Let Your Dentist Know Your Medical History: If you’ve been diagnosed with depression, let your dentist know. They may be able to offer helpful suggestions to keep your oral health on the right track.
• Try Your Best to Stay Active: Although this can be difficult, taking a little time out of each of your days to go outside and get some Vitamin D from the sun can help battle depressive symptoms. While not the sole answer, it can be a big help!
• Eat Fresh Fruits & Vegetables: Harmful oral bacteria are known to feed off of carbohydrates and sugars found within the mouth. Try substituting fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks throughout the day to help clear away plaque and tartar as well as regulate your mood.
• Stick to Your Oral Hygiene Routine: Lastly, stick to your oral hygiene routine by brushing your teeth when you wake up and before you go to bed, and flossing at least once a day. This will help prevent cavities and tooth infections from developing. Don’t forget to also schedule your bi-annual checkups and cleanings with your dentist!

Although the advice listed above can be difficult to stick to when you’re battling depression, being intentional about caring for your smile can also be a good way to aid your emotional and mental wellbeing.

About the Author

Dr. Stephanie Lacquaniti is a compassionate and caring dentist who knew that she wanted to help people ever since she was five years old! She completed her dental doctorate at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and takes pride in being a lifelong learner. She offers a comprehensive menu of dental services for her patients so they rarely have to be referred out, from routine preventive care for adults and children to life-changing cosmetic treatments. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Lacquaniti Dental’s website or call 352-383-8121.