Oral Health Care and Psychology

Researchers are learning more about how oral health can have an impact on the body as a whole. Certain oral health problems concerns may increase risk of other health problems in other areas of the body, while some medical problems can impact oral health. Now medical professionals are finding out that oral health can affect mental health and vice versa.

One of the first known connections regarding dental health and psychology occurs with dental phobias. Odontophobia, or dental fear, may prevent those affected from receiving preventive dental care and treatments for issues before they become serious.

Dental fears are not the only way that oral health care and psychology are connected. People who have depression may not care properly for their teeth or attend regular check-ups with their dentist. This may result in serious dental issues and possible tooth loss that can affect self-esteem, reduce sociality, and increase depression.

It seems that the worse the psychological problem is, the less likely the person is to have good oral health habits. Even medications that are used to help reduce mental health related symptoms can dry out the mouth, increasing bacteria and tooth decay risk.

If you have any psychological concerns that might impact or be impacted by your Royal health care, let our West Hollywood dentist know. The dentist can help you develop an oral health care plan individualized to your mental health needs to reduce the negative impact between psychology and your oral health care.

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