Study finds Potential Link between Mental and Dental Health

A new study presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) has shed light on the connection between mental and dental health.

The researchers looked at self-reported data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study and analysed mental health symptoms across three disorder categories and six oral outcomes.

The results showed that all of the six adverse oral health outcomes had statistically significant higher prevalence with the increasing severity of mental health issues. Specifically, the odds of bleeding gums were greater with high vs. none or low internalizing of problems.

Mental and Oral Health Data Analysed

The researchers analysed data from the PATH study, which examines tobacco use and health outcomes in the U.S. population.

Specifically, they examined self-reported mental health symptoms across three categories (internalizing, externalizing, and substance abuse) and six oral health outcomes (oral health, bleeding gums, loose teeth, tooth loss, gum disease, and bone loss).

The study included thousands of participants, with data from 2016 and 2018 analysed for the prevalence of oral health outcomes based on the severity of mental health symptoms. A follow-up assessment from 2018 to 2019 examined oral health outcomes based on earlier noted mental health problems.

The results indicated that all six adverse oral health outcomes had statistically significant higher prevalence with increasing severity of mental health issues. While associations with externalizing and substance use decreased over time, some associations with internalizing remained, with higher odds of bleeding gums observed in individuals with high internalizing problems compared to those with none or low internalizing.

These findings suggest a potential link between mental and dental health, indicating that providers should be aware of higher levels of oral disease among patients with adverse mental health conditions.

Possible Reasons behind Association

This is not the first time researchers have connected the two seemingly unrelated fields. According to a study published online last year, people with mental health illnesses have been found to have suboptimal oral health.

Some possible reasons for this could be giving oral health low priority, the lack of alternative service models for those with mental health problems, or care providers’ low recognition of the association between oral and mental health.

It may be hard for some people with mental health issues to take care of themselves, even to do simple tasks such as caring for their teeth, the researchers caution. Some may also be grinding their teeth at night, contributing to the problem. Dental problems, in turn, may exacerbate mental health symptoms – for instance, by affecting the individual’s self-esteem or triggering social anxiety.

What to Expect

The study’s findings suggest that providers should expect higher levels of oral disease among patients with adverse mental health conditions.

With better understanding and awareness of the possible association, patients can get the treatment that they need.

These results may inform both medical and dental communities in diagnosing and providing treatment to individuals suffering from mental illness, notes the AADOCR.