What are the mental illness facts when it comes to the connection between mental health and dental health? Are these two related? How does one affect the other? This article will talk about the answer to this question. There is a close connection between the health of the body and that of the mind. There is further evidence to suggest those who experience mental illness also suffer from poor oral health, some of which may lead to wisdom too infection.
Mental illness facts
Mental illnesses are health issues that affect emotions, thinking and behavior. They are often seen in the way people deal with others and react to stressful situations. People who suffer from mental illnesses usually have difficulties functioning in social situations, family gatherings, and activities and with their work.
Mental health and dental health
The connection between mental health and dental health can be looked at as a cycle. If a person has poor mental health, it is more likely for them to neglect their dental health. Since they will be stressed out with everyday situations that most of us find trivial, they may not be able to focus their time and energy on brushing and flossing.
Also, dental anxiety is a disorder that affects many. This refers to the irrational fear that people have about dental procedures and visiting the dentist. People who have dental phobia avoid going to the dentist altogether because they are anxious about the procedures that will go on during a routine checkup. This can have detrimental effects on a person’s overall oral health if it is allowed to happen.
Most people who suffer from dental anxiety and dental phobia only visit the dentist when they do not have a choice. They go to the dentist because of severe oral pain and other serious oral issues that cannot be ignored anymore.
Tooth infections and mental health
It is widespread for people with mental health to have tooth infections. This becomes especially true if people avoid going to the dentist for routine dental exams and if they neglect their oral hygiene habits at home.
Wisdom tooth infections are quite common for people who suffer from mental health issues as well. While wisdom teeth do not tend to cause problems if the person visits a dentist on the onset of pain, they can turn into more serious dental health issues if the problem is left untreated.
What you can do
If you feel that you have dental anxiety, it is a good idea to talk to your dentist or mental health doctor about it. These are the two health professionals that can offer the best and most meaningful help when it comes to dealing with dental anxiety.
They will be able to give you advice on how to take better care of your dental health issues. On top of that, they will also be able to suggest treatment methods that you will benefit from. There are also ways to help you stay calm during dental procedures. They can lay out all your options on the table, and you can choose one that will put your mind at ease and make you prepared for the dental procedure you need.
Keep in mind that mental issues do not have to come in the way of oral health. Infections in the teeth and gums can be avoided if you ask for help from the right sources.