*Updated May 2025
The connection between oral health and physical health is well-known. For example, poor oral health puts you at a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, and other serious illnesses. But what about the relationship between oral health and mental health? You may be surprised at how connected the two are!
The medical and oral health disconnect
Before jumping into the connection between oral health and mental health, it’s important to understand the historical separation between the two. Centuries ago, practicing dentistry and practicing medicine were the same. However, in the mid-1800s, the creation of dental schools and medical schools essentially divided oral health from the rest of medical education, according to the AMA Journal of Ethics.
Note: This separation also impacted mental health care, as it falls under medical care but was historically overlooked in its connection to oral health.
Today, efforts are being made to reintegrate these areas to ensure a more holistic approach to patient well-being. One of the reasons behind this movement is because of the medical conditions that can initially be diagnosed by dentists and then treated by physicians.
Some of the conditions that can be spotted by your dentist include:
- Diabetes
- Oral Cancer
- Osteoporosis
- Anemia
- GERD
- HIV
- Eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa
Mental health impacts oral health
The effects of poor mental health on oral health are an increasing area of focus for both dental and mental health professionals.
A study published in Psychiatric News revealed that individuals with mental disorders are less likely to maintain regular dental visits, putting them at a higher risk for dental disease and other health complications. Furthermore, the study highlights “Four key conditions that are observed in patients with psychiatric disorders are tooth decay, gum diseases, dry mouth (xerostomia), and bruxism (tooth grinding).”
The type of mental disorder someone has can lead to different dental problems. Here are just a few ways poor mental health can cause poor oral health:
Depression
- People with depression are more likely to use substances like alcohol and tobacco. This can cause tooth decay and erosion.
- People with depression are less likely to take care of themselves, especially when it comes to good oral health habits. This can lead to gum disease and other dental diseases.
Bipolar Affective Disorder (BD)
- People with BD are more likely to over-brush their teeth. This can cause damage to the gums and cause abrasions in the mouth.
- People with BD are more likely to have dry mouth and oral inflammation.
Eating Disorders
- Individuals with eating disorders, specifically bulimia nervosa, are more susceptible to having tooth decay.
Oral health impacts on mental health
The connection between oral health and mental health is a two-way street. Much like poor mental health can lead to poor oral health, poor oral health can also worsen existing mental health problems.
Here are just a few ways poor oral health can exacerbate mental health problems, according to the American Psychiatric Association:
- People with severe mental health issues often find it hard to maintain dental hygiene or access dental care.
- Many people, including those with mental health conditions, avoid dental care due to anxiety. However, untreated oral pain can worsen mental health, making care even harder.
- Poor oral health affects eating, speaking, and self-esteem, which can reduce social interaction and harm mental well-being.
Embracing the connection between oral health and mental health
The link between oral health and mental health is gaining more recognition, presenting a significant opportunity to enhance patient outcomes through simple adjustments in mental health care.
According to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “When treating patients with mental health disorders, it is crucial for mental health professionals to integrate oral health care into their daily responsibilities and offer essential nursing support. Mental health nurses must prioritize oral health awareness, address associated risks, and implement long-term strategies to improve patients’ oral health.”
While research on the connection between oral health and mental health is still evolving, recognizing and addressing this link can lead to significant improvements in both fields. By integrating oral health into mental health care, professionals can enhance overall well-being, leading to better health outcomes and a higher quality of life.
