Depression Teeth have been one of the reasons most people feel insecure or have low self-esteem. Some even end up committing suicide. Does depression lead to bad teeth?
DISCLAIMER: Please note that this post may contain some affiliate links. Click here to learn more
Do bad teeth lead to depression. Here is what you should know about depression and bad teeth.
Table of Contents
Does Depression Affect Teeth
Depression is a disorder with symptoms that may affect your mental and physical health. These symptoms can lead to bad teeth.
Depression brings the drive for taking in drugs and alcohol. These drugs and alcohol have strong combinations that may affect the teeth.
During the depression, one does not pay attention to their hygiene. You may not brush your teeth for days and this can affect your teeth.
Having bad teeth naturally brings mixed feelings. What if people laugh at me when I talk? Will they employ me with this bed set of teeth of mine? Do I qualify to be called beauty?
These thoughts alone may leave you in a very depressing state such that you will have little or no confidence at all.
Depression has to do with the state of the mind. It is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.
Based on the definition of depression you have your answer. The mixed feeling you experience about your bad teeth is a sign of depression and this can be troubling.
When depression sets into any situation there is a cause to be alarmed because depression is a serious disorder to deal with.
The missing teeth may even discourage an individual to become socially isolated and feel bad about himself. One can think of suicide when he or she is depressed.
According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, almost two-thirds of people with depression reported having a toothache in the last year.
Apart from the reasons we all know that could cause bad teeth, your mood can also play a role in damaging your teeth. Most gum diseases are related to mood conditions like stress, anxiety, and depression.
Depression can make you lose interest or concentration in your oral and dental health habits, which may lead to dental complications.
For instance, you are likely not to brush the whole day when you are stressed or depressed about something and you doing this continuously could cause you a dental breakdown.
Medicine taken to cure depression can also have an effect on the teeth and lead to gum issues like gum inflammation and periodontitis.
Depression however goes a long way to work on the teeth and can provide bad sight to the teeth.
How Do You Cope With Depression Teeth Depression?
Depression can be a long-term disorder if no effective treatment is done. There are some helpful ways in which one can cope with dental depression.
Visiting your dentist regularly for updates and encouragement can have to you manage your dental depression. Speak to someone about your fear of bad teeth.
That alone may relieve you from worrying too much. Read a lot on dental research that may help you to cope with your depression and may even provide ways to have good dental health again.
I Have Bad Teeth What Are My Options
Having bad teeth can be frustrating. Bad teeth can be a result of poor dental hygiene or natural factors. Whatever the reason might be there’s an option for everyone who is depressed about their teeth.
- Brushing twice a day: brushing two times a day should become a habit and a priority. Many people have bad teeth due to poor dental care and not brushing twice a day or not at all. Brushing before bed removes food particles that may cause bad teeth and bad breath that may sometimes lead to tooth decay. Brushing two or three times a day doesn’t only give you nice teeth but a good breath that gives you that confidence to speak and smile wide without any cause to worry.
Ideally, you should brush after every meal to keep healthy always. But some reasons like eating at the workplace where you do not have your brush there can make you not brush. This is why brushing in the morning and before bed is recommended because during that time you are home and have all the necessary materials for brushing.
- Visit the dental clinic: it is advisable to go check up on your teeth with the dentists to be sure your teeth are doing well. This should be done at least every six months and you do not have to have bad teeth before you go to the dentist.
- Change toothbrush when old: toothbrush should not be used over three months. It should be changed after every three months or even less. When you brush the brush cumulates particles into the bristles of the brush. This happens for some time and the dirt becomes too much for the brush to take so it rather brings back the dirt cumulated in the brush for the past three months or more into your mouth. And this dirt goes to work on your teeth giving you bad teeth and breathing.
- Know the type of toothbrush that is good for you: the type of toothbrush does matter in bad tooth occurrences and difficulties. It is most advisable to use a toothbrush with very soft bristles so that you may have a clear and gentle cleanup of the teeth to avoid damaging the gum. Hard toothbrushes are not good, however, they may be the best option for smokers and those who are on drugs. It is good to identify the type of toothbrush that is good for you to prevent bad teeth and other dental complications.
- Limit what and how you eat: your eating habits can lead to teeth problems. What you eat can affect your teeth. Avoid too many sweets and too cold or too hot foods. Pay attention to yourself. Is there something you may be eating that anytime you eat it you have a problem with your teeth? If yes then you should stop eating eat or talk to your dentist about it. How you eat your food can also make you have bad teeth. Do not force your teeth on hard food substances. Chew food in a bit to massage your teeth. Brush before eating and after eating if possible.
- Flossing: flossing prevents gum disease and gum decay.
- Saliva: your saliva contains decay-fighting antibodies that re-mineralizes small spots of decay in teeth. This can best be achieved when you limit the number of times you eat each day.
Can Dentists Tell If Have Depression
Due to the unique positions of dentists, they can tell if their patients are going through depression.
They are concerned about the overall well-being of their patients so they see to it that even as they check the state of the mind they are sure that you’re mentally and physically sound.
Should I tell My Dentist I Have Depression?
Why not? It is even good when you let them know at a very early stage as it helps them in treating your teeth problem to prevent further damage.
You may think that the job of the dentists is to check on the teeth but it goes beyond that as they are most concerned about your overall mental, physical, and emotional health.
These things some major factors that impact your healthy or unhealthy teeth depending on your health conditions.
In Conclusion
Depression may lead to bad teeth and vice versa. It is good you visit your dentists regularly and when any health depression is detected make your dentist aware as this helps is an effective treatment of the teeth.
Join Our Facebook Group For Latest Topic Discussions 👍
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT: If this post was helpful or if you have anything you want us to write on. Thank You much Love 🙂 ❤
