How depression can affect dental health

A number of research papers have established a link between mental and oral health, and several studies have found that people who have depression and anxiety are more likely to experience tooth loss, Time reports. Experts say oral health can be affected by mental health in a number of ways. Some antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can have the side effect of dry mouth, which can increase the risk of cavities, says Zainab Mackie, a dentist based in Grosse Pointe, Mich. And although dental health professionals recommend brushing your teeth twice a day and visiting a dentist every six months for an oral exam and professional cleaning, for someone in who suffers from depression or anxiety, such a regime can feel challenging. “When people are depressed, whether it’s a major depressive episode or whether it’s just a minor low mood, everything becomes difficult to do,” observes Kojo Sarfo, a psychotherapist based in Los Angeles. “The things that we call ‘routine tasks’ or ‘activities of daily living’—like brushing your teeth, putting your shoes on, taking a shower—these things become that much harder to do.”

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