The Link Between Oral Health And Mental Wellbeing

Do you know it is a therapeutic relief when you visit your dentist on time for your dental checkup, which boosts your confidence? How often do we take care of the one place where all the hard stuff goes in, but only sound comes out? Oral health, encompassing the health of the mouth, teeth, and gums, is crucial for overall well-being, enabling functions like eating, speaking, and socializing without pain or discomfort. Good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, helps prevent diseases like cavities and gum disease, which are leading causes of tooth loss. Percent of children ages five to nineteen years with untreated dental caries: 13.2 per cent (2015-2018). The percentage of adults ages twenty to forty-four with untreated dental caries is 25.9 per cent (2015-2018). Percentage of adults ages forty-five to sixty-four with untreated dental caries: 25.3% (2015-2018). The rate of adults aged sixty-five and older with untreated dental caries: 20.2 per cent (2015-2018) (Centres For Disease Control and Prevention).

As social beings, it is sad to have a bad breath, also known as halitosis. When speaking to people becomes stressful, this brings your confidence to zero. How do you deal with a health problem that marinates into a social problem?

How To Prevent Tooth Decay

Various lifelong steps can help prevent tooth decay and tooth loss.

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Regular Oral Hygiene: Brushing twice daily (Mayo Clinic) is vital in maintaining good oral hygiene. When we habitually brush daily, lousy breath is far from us.

Using Fluoride Toothpaste: When grocery shopping, one top ingredient to look for in tooth care is toothpaste containing fluoride (MayoClinic). Do not settle for anything less.

Regular Dental Checkup: A visit to the dentist keeps mouth odors away. When it becomes a regular practice to visit the dentist, it helps deal with cavities and creates an opportunity to diagnose an underlying medical condition quickly.

Replace Toothbrushes Regularly: For the comrades who still use the brush they got two years ago, I want to know why you are doing this to yourself.

Replace your toothbrush every two to three months or sooner if the bristles become frayed(News Medical).

Quit Smoking: Smoking and tobacco use can increase your risk of gum disease and tooth decay(Cleveland Clinic).

Stay Hydrated:

Drinking plenty of water helps keep your mouth clean and can help prevent tooth decay(Mayo Clinic).

Every 20th of March is World Oral Day, this year with the theme: A happy mouth is a happy mind. This year, we are reminded of the connection between our oral and mental health. With our oral hygiene plan in view, we must take conscious steps to grow a happy mind. Here are the benefits of maintaining healthy oral health.

Boost Confidence: Poor oral health hurts your social life. Imagine the smile you give after a session with your dentist. Putting a face to the name requires an appearance and a befitting smile. Investing in oral health is an investment in your mental health.

Early Detection: Early detection can help reduce the pain of gum disease, tooth decay, and cavities.

Oral and Systemic Health: The connection between Oral health is closely linked to overall health, and poor oral health can contribute to systemic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Dentists can sometimes identify signs of systemic diseases in the mouth, allowing for early intervention and treatment (Cigna Healthcare).

Fighting Bad Breath: Certain diseases are associated with oral health. By focusing on maintaining good oral hygiene, we can combat halitosis. Persistent bad breath can indicate underlying oral health issues that a dentist can address (Cleveland Clinic).

Oral health directly affects our confidence, social interactions, and overall well-being. Poor dental hygiene can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and some underlying health issues, affecting physical and mental health. By choosing habits like regular brushing, dental checkups, staying hydrated, and quitting smoking, we can maintain a healthy mouth and a happy mind.

As we mark World Oral Health Day, let’s remember that a bright smile is not just about appearance; it’s a step toward better mental health and self-confidence. The World Oral Health Day reinforced the message that maintaining a healthy mouth contributes to overall well-being. It urges us to adopt proactive oral hygiene habits for a healthier society and reminds us to invest in a happy mouth for the sure outcome of a happy mind.