{"id":474,"date":"2022-10-28T11:59:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-28T11:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nyhowarddds.com\/blog\/?p=474"},"modified":"2022-11-07T23:59:46","modified_gmt":"2022-11-07T23:59:46","slug":"major-depression-and-oral-health-in-san-marcos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nyhowarddds.com\/blog\/2022\/10\/28\/major-depression-and-oral-health-in-san-marcos\/","title":{"rendered":"Major Depression\u2019s Negative Impact on Oral Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Compared to past years, depression is a very common mental health issue. Recent studies even suggest that nearly 10% of Americans have it. While most emphasize its effect on mood, though, depression can also hurt your oral health. After all, one can overlook oral hygiene<\/a> in the wake of a crisis. Luckily, your dental practice can help even if you have this illness. Here\u2019s a summary of major depression and oral health from a San Marcos Dentist, including some dental tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How are Depression and Oral Health Related?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For one thing, depression makes you less likely to care for your teeth. It saps you of your willpower, so willing yourself to brush and floss is a challenge. Plus, being depressed can make you want to retreat from regular dental visits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even worse, there could be other connections. In a 2019 study from the journal Nature Communications<\/em>, researchers may have found a link between depressive symptoms and the mouth. In other words, mental health could directly tie into oral health or vice-versa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other studies back this latter conclusion. Namely, the University of Washington\u2019s dental education program suggests depression could trigger decreased salivary flow. Since saliva protects teeth, less of it means a higher risk of cavities and gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protect Your Mood = Protect Your Smile<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While dentistry doesn\u2019t focus on mental health, it can offer oral health tips for the depressed. These suggestions include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n