Patient with Gingivitis
Did you know that during the Covid-19 pandemic 92% of people polled in an ADA study reported having struggled with their mental health leading to gingivitis and a large majority of them didn’t seek help?
Have you ever been asked, how are you doing and although you were unwell you gave the standard answer everything’s great?
Unfortunately, we have all been there at one point or another for a variety of different reasons which starts with our being unwilling to talk about the areas we are struggling In.
In another study posted by Dentistry Today, there were 6,544 Individuals per control group (participants with gingivitis V.S. participants without gingivitis). The results were that twice as many participants that had gingivitis got diagnosed with depression than those without gingivitis.
Since Oral Health can Improve our Mental Health here are 5 great ways to have great Oral Health!
Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste/mouthwash to avoid Gingivitis!
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral and is a strong component to maintaining strong teeth enamel and reducing decay. Flouride adds new minerals to the tooth enamel as over time enamel can deteriorate. People who drink more water and less sugary drinks that don’t contain flouride also get fewer cavities. Toothpaste and Mouthwashes that contain fluoride work by filling in the pores within the tooth’s enamel to strengthen it against acidic foods or drinks.
Protect your Teeth from Injuries!
If you are an athlete who plays sports, boxes, does BMX, skates, or any other dangerous activity make sure you wear a helmet and a sports mouthguard. This is a small adjustment that can make a huge difference and prevent; tooth loss chipped or broken teeth and save you thousands of dollars.
There are also bruxism mouthguards in London Ontario to protect your teeth against grinding and clenching of teeth that’s common with people that struggle with stress or have a mental health illness.
Record yourself Brushing your Teeth!
Quite often we forget to be disciplined in our brushing routine by; not flossing, skipping our tongue, not using a mouthwash and many of us don’t even realize we have a poor brushing technique. Recording yourself can help you Improve your technique according to the Indian Journal of Dental Research. At the end of a two-week study where participants received pointers, researchers found that each participant Improved their toothbrushing skills.
Ask your dental professional to take a look at your brushing technique you might be surprised at how big of a difference little adjustments can make when you do them multiple times per day.
Reserve your mouth for chewing only!
This may sound like advice you may tell your child who tried to eat blocks or plato and that’s It, but you’d be surprised by how relevant it may be to you as well.
Only use your mouth for eating! If you chew ice, cereal, or candy bars, you can chip, crack, or break your teeth. To avoid pain and expense, try not to do these things. Still visit the dentist every 6 months however because regular checkups and professional cleanings can keep your mouth healthy and strong.
Take Care of your Body!
This aspect is seemingly broad and possibly the most difficult making it vital. Nourish your body by giving it the healthy nutrients it needs! Whole foods that provide non-fatty protein and good carbs can go a long way towards boosting your physical and mental health. As we know, many times the two are intertwined. On top of nourishment, you should also strive to do a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise or movement a day.
This amazing article from the National Library of Medicine helps draw parallels between regular exercise and serotonin levels in your brain. Raising serotonin can boost your mood and well-being. Over time more serotonin also improves appetite and sleep whose benefits we have already discussed. As you will learn through this article, many of these aspects are connected! When you feel better and stress less combined putting better foods in your body reduces the risk of cavities, gum disease, or jaw disorders like TMJ
Conclusion
The secrets to improving your oral health and mental health are often Intertwined. All you need is a disciplined mindset that’s dedicated to consistently leading and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and oral hygiene habits.
There is a strong correlation between great oral health and mental health, If you’re ready for a beautiful and natural-looking smile, contact our dental clinic in London Ontario through our online Request An Appointment form, email us at Info@sbenatidentistry.ca, or call give us a call at (519)-474-0220 we’d love to meet you.
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