While many of us fail to realize it, dental health contributes to our overall health and wellness. The quality of your smile and the health of your gums and teeth are actually key factors in improving self-esteem and quality of life. So, it should go without saying that if you can smile with confidence, your health will thank you. But what is the actual connection between mental and dental health, and why is it so important to smile and forgive?
The Connection between Mental and Dental Health
According to research, mental illness and dental disease go hand in hand. In some cases the connection is that individuals with a mental illness experience dental disease because of a personal choice to avoid the dentist based on distrust of the individual or a negative past experience. More often than not, though, oral symptoms are actually the first and even only manifestation of a mental health issue. Facial pain, preoccupation with the teeth, palatal erosion, and even self-inflicted injuries are key indicators of mental or psychiatric disorders.
How to Improve Your Mental Health and Maintain Your Oral Hygiene
Because mental and dental health are so intricately interlinked, it’s important to support both aspects of your health. You can improve your mental health and maintain your overall oral hygiene in a few key ways:
1. Maintain a Healthy, Balanced Diet
Diet is one of the most important components of your health. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in sugar and processed foods to improve your mental and dental health.
2. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise releases endorphins that help you feel good. These happy chemicals reduce stress and help treat mental health disorders including depression. Regular exercise is also a good way to eliminate toxins from your body that may contribute to dental disease.
3. Visit a Pediatric Dentist Near Me
Pediatric dentists specialize in treating children and individuals with specific needs. A regular dental checkup is the best way to prevent disease and identify indicative oral health issues.
If you are looking for ways to improve your overall health by maintaining good mental and dental health, consider visiting a Virginia Orthodontics team or a Fredericksburg Orthodontics team like Beecroft Orthodontics for a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation. Call Beecroft Orthodontics at 540-898-2200 today! Remember, smile and forgive; it’s the only way to live!
Beecroft Orthodontics, 10472 Georgetown Dr. Fredericksburg, Virginia
Phone: 540-898-2200
Smile and Forgive; It's the Only Way to Live