– Laiyaanaa Asif Nimry
When we think about mental health, oral health is rarely part of the conversation. However, growing evidence shows a strong connection between mental health and oral health. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, chronic stress, and dental anxiety can significantly affect oral health, particularly periodontal (gum) health. Also, chronic oral disease can negatively impact psychological wellbeing.
Recognising this connection allows healthcare providers to offer more effective, patient-centred care.
What Is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth. It usually develops from untreated gingivitis (inflammation of the gum) and can lead to bleeding or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, tooth mobility, and tooth loss.
In Australia, approximately 30% of adults have moderate to severe periodontitis.
How Mental Health Can Affect Oral Health?
Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, chronic stress, and dental phobia can influence oral health by reducing motivation for oral hygiene, increasing missed appointments, contributing to smoking, alcohol use and drug abuse and causing dry mouth from certain medications.
Can Gum Disease Affect Mental Wellbeing?
The relationship between mental health and periodontal disease is bidirectional. Chronic gum disease can affect quality of life, self-esteem, and emotional wellbeing.
Shared Risk Factors
Mental health conditions and periodontitis share risk factors such as smoking, poor nutrition, chronic stress, and socioeconomic disadvantage.
What We Offer at Hanson Medical Centre and Dental Surgery
Hanson Medical Centre and Dental Surgery is a multidisciplinary primary healthcare clinic offering integrated care through GPs, nurses, psychologists, dentists, and oral health professionals.
We provide non-judgemental care, mental health assessments, periodontal assessments, dental anxiety support, and coordinated referrals.
Further Reading and Evidence-Based Resources
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Oral health and dental care in Australia
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Mental health overview
- Alcazar-Hernandez, J.M., Pecci-Lloret, & Guerrero-Girones. (2024). Oral manifestations in patients in treatment with antidepressants: a systematic review. Journal of Clinical medicine, 13(22). https:www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/13/22/6945#
- World Health Organization (WHO). Depression and anxiety fact sheets
- Kisely S. No Mental Health Without Oral Health. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry
- Kisely S. et al. (2016). Oral health of people with anxiety and depressive disorders ā a systemic review and meta-analysis.journal ofAffective disorder,200, 119-132. https://doi.org/10.1016/jad.1/j.jad.2016.04.040
- Petit C. et al. (2021). Depression, anxiety, and periodontal treatment outcomes
- Tonetti M.S. et al. (2018). Classification of periodontal diseases
