{"id":311,"date":"2024-05-10T20:17:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-10T20:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sunrisedentalsmile.com\/blog\/?p=311"},"modified":"2024-06-06T20:27:29","modified_gmt":"2024-06-06T20:27:29","slug":"mind-tooth-connection-mental-and-oral-health-management","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sunrisedentalsmile.com\/blog\/2024\/05\/10\/mind-tooth-connection-mental-and-oral-health-management\/","title":{"rendered":"The Mind-Tooth Connection: Tackling Mental and Oral Health"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Woman<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If you\u2019re struggling with your mental health, you already know how difficult it can be to do tasks that others consider second nature. Sometimes, brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, or even booking a dental appointment is an insurmountable chore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our culture has a bad habit of associating poor oral health with failure. However, it\u2019s important you know this isn\u2019t something you should feel guilt or shame over. Everyone needs help with something, and dentists are there for those who need help with their oral health. They\u2019ll support you with care and resources<\/a> \u2013 including this informational article on the connection between your mind and your teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Motivation Affects Oral Routines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Depression, mood disorders, and even plain \u2018ol fatigue can make our motivation wax and wane. On a bad day (or maybe every day depending on your situation) simply brushing and flossing<\/a> your teeth can sound exhausting. Sometimes, knowing what can happen if you don\u2019t maintain a routine actually makes wrangling up your motivation even harder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of thinking about the negative consequences of not cleaning, try centering your oral routines around something you can enjoy. You can upgrade your experience by purchasing new cleaning tools, listening to music, or even lighting candles. The possibilities are endless, but for some direction, try to think of things that can help you get started or wind down your day. Your dentist can provide additional support with more frequent cleanings<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Somatization Through Your Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSomatization\u201d is when stress is voiced through physical symptoms. It\u2019s most commonly associated with anxiety disorders, but you don\u2019t need a diagnosis to become a victim of somatization \u2013 just a lot of stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When emotions speak through your oral health, it can look like teeth grinding, clenching, or overly aggressive brushing. Grinding and clenching can cause jaw pain, while aggressive brushing could make your gums recede. Your dentist can treat these oral issues with orthodontics<\/a> or gum-soothing techniques<\/a>, but it\u2019s equally important to treat your emotions. A therapist can help you with coping strategies and possibly prescribe medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

General Dental Anxiety<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Biannual checkups and cleanings are essential parts of good oral hygiene. They\u2019re so important, in fact, that insurance often covers 90-100% of these preventive care treatments. If you\u2019re avoiding appointments due to fear, your dental anxiety is considered debilitating by DSM-5 standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, no one\u2019s telling you to \u201cjust deal with it\u201d. Pointing out how important these visits are and how severe dental anxiety can be shows that feeling comfortable during dental treatment<\/a> is crucial. Your dentist takes this seriously. To help you relax, they may recommend administering laughing gas or prescribing a sedative pill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get Help Where You Need It<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Everyone needs help with something. When that something is your mental health, psychiatric professionals lend you an ear and recommend proven coping strategies. When that something is your oral health, dentists take your mental health into consideration when providing their services. They\u2019ll do their part to reassure you and can give personalized recommendations for how best to maintain your pearly whites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our team at Sunrise Dental Center is here to support you! We understand that promoting good oral health isn\u2019t always simple. If you\u2019re struggling with your mental health and need some extra help, please give us a call. We\u2019ll work with you so we can provide the care you need. You can contact our office at 713-869-9973 or explore our website<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"If you\u2019re struggling with your mental health, you already know how difficult it can be to do tasks that others consider second nature. Sometimes, brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, or even booking a dental appointment is an insurmountable chore. Our culture has a bad habit of associating poor oral health with failure. However, it\u2019s important you know this isn\u2019t something you should feel guilt or shame over. Everyone needs help […] (Read More)<\/a>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-311","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nTackling Mental and Oral Health | Sunrise Dental<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Mental health issues can make everyday tasks difficult. 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