World Mental Health Day – 10th October
Your mental health can have an impact on your overall health, including the health of your mouth.
Those suffering from poor mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, often engage in activities or use coping mechanisms that can impact oral health negatively such as:
- Smoking
- Using alcohol or drugs
- Loss of appetite, which can lead to poor nutrition
- Over indulging on sugary foods and drinks
- Dry mouth
- Dental anxiety, resulting in not visiting the dentist
- Little or no interest in personal care, including oral hygiene
Sound familiar? This World Mental Health Day, we would like to highlight that there is help available, for both your mental and oral health.
Visit rethink.org for advice, information and where to get help in your area.
As far as your oral health goes, Growing Smiles recommends the following to try and keep on top of your oral health, even if you don’t feel on top of anything else.
- Limit alcohol intake – alcohol is a depressant and is likely to make you feel worse. It is also, often high in sugar which will impact oral health
- Try to stop, or reduce smoking
- If experiencing loss of appetite, try to eat nutrient rich foods little and often. Such as avocado on wholemeal toast, cheese and nuts.
- For dry mouth Growing Smiles recommends drinking plenty of water. There are also products available which can help stimulate saliva flow, click here for more information.
- Visit your dentist regularly. If you are feeling anxious, let your dental team know and they will try and put your mind at ease.
Most importantly, if you’re struggling with your mental health, talk to your doctor. They may prescribe some medication or refer you to someone who can help.
Don’t suffer in silence – look after yourself.