Individuals grappling with mental health issues face numerous challenges, but one that often goes unnoticed is their increased likelihood of experiencing poor oral health. Recent research highlights that people with serious mental illnesses are four times more likely to suffer from gum disease compared to the general population. Furthermore, they are nearly three times more likely to have lost all their teeth due to conditions such as gum disease and tooth decay.
Serious mental illnesses, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, affect approximately 800,000 Australians. On average, individuals living with schizophrenia have eight more teeth that are decayed, missing, or filled than those in the general population. This stark statistic raises critical questions: Why does this link exist, and what can be done to address the problem?
The Impact of Poor Oral Health
Oral health problems are not only costly to fix but can also significantly impact one’s quality of life. They can hinder basic activities such as eating, socializing, working, or even smiling. Dental issues are a leading cause of preventable hospital admissions among individuals with serious mental illnesses, ranking as the third most common reason.
Moreover, poor oral health is associated with long-term health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and cognitive problems. This connection is primarily due to the inflammation caused by bacteria associated with gum diseases, which can affect various bodily systems.
Understanding the Link Between Mental and Oral Health
The relationship between mental and oral health is complex, with both sharing common risk factors. Social determinants such as isolation, unemployment, and housing insecurity can exacerbate both conditions. For instance, unemployment can increase the risk of oral disease due to financial constraints, reduced access to dental care, and potential changes in diet and hygiene practices.
Conversely, oral disease can pose barriers to employment due to stigma, discrimination, dental pain, and related long-term health issues. This bidirectional relationship is evident as dental disease can diminish self-esteem and heighten psychological distress, while symptoms of mental health conditions, such as low motivation, can make maintaining good oral hygiene challenging.
Additionally, anxiety about visiting the dentist is common among those with serious mental illness, often stemming from past trauma. Certain medications prescribed for mental health conditions can further exacerbate oral health issues by interfering with saliva production or increasing sugar cravings, thereby elevating the risk of tooth decay.
Research Insights and Personal Accounts
In a recent study, researchers interviewed young individuals with mental illnesses to explore the personal costs of dental disease and its impact on mental health. The findings revealed that poor oral health often leads to embarrassment and shame, hindering individuals from smiling and affecting their self-esteem and confidence.
“[Poor oral health is] not only [about] the physical aspects of restricting how you eat, but it’s also about your mental health in terms of your self-esteem, your self-confidence, and basic wellbeing, which sort of drives me to become more isolated,” shared one participant.
Another participant expressed the anxiety associated with dental visits:
“For me, it was that serious fear of – God my teeth are looking really crap, and in the past they’ve [dental practitioners] asked, ‘Hey, you’ve missed this spot; what’s happening?’. How do I explain to them, hey, I’ve had some really shitty stuff happening and I have a very serious episode of depression?”
Addressing the Issue: A Call for Holistic Care
Efforts to improve oral health awareness and behaviors among young adults with mental health challenges have shown promise. A brief online oral health education program was found to enhance participants’ knowledge and attitudes, underscoring the potential for improved mental wellbeing, self-esteem, and quality of life through better oral health.
However, achieving this is not without challenges. Limited Medicare coverage for dental care often results in delayed treatment, necessitating more invasive procedures like tooth extractions. A holistic approach to healthcare is crucial, involving mental health professionals who inquire about oral health and dental practitioners trained to address the unique needs of those with serious mental illnesses.
Increased government funding for oral health services, including promotion, prevention, and interdisciplinary care, is essential. This approach should foster collaboration between oral health, mental health, and peer and informal support sectors, ensuring comprehensive care for individuals with serious mental illnesses.
This material, originating from The Conversation, has been edited for clarity, style, and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).
