May is Mental Health Month, a time set aside to raise awareness of mental illness and remove the stigma that sufferers often face. Many people are aware that mental illness can have a huge impact on physical health, but the link between dental and mental wellness is not as well understood. Your Lombard dentist recognizes the systemic nature of mental illness and offers compassionate preventive care and other treatments.
At Dental Care of Lombard, Dr. Julie Glud offers a full range of dental procedures to patients of all ages. She is especially well-regarded by those who suffer from dental anxiety, thanks to her gentle, low-stress treatment and her highly effective sedation.
If you or a family member suffers from mental illness, we can provide the understanding care you deserve. Contact our office today to book an appointment.
Mental Illness Increases the Risk of Dental Problems
A large-scale study, undertaken in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, revealed that those with mental health concerns were three times more likely to rate their oral health as “poor” compared to those without mental health concerns. In particular, those with mental illness are more likely to suffer from tooth decay and missing teeth.
But the connection is not straightforward, and there are multiple factors that can affect oral health.
- Lack of preventive care: Individuals with severe depression may have difficulty completing routine tasks, such as brushing their teeth or scheduling regular dental appointments. Similarly, geriatric patients who suffer from memory loss could simply forget to complete these tasks.
- Medications: Some antidepressants and antipsychotics can cause dry mouth. In turn, this dry mouth can increase the risk of periodontal disease and cavities.
- Obsessive compulsive behaviors: Some true OCD behaviors could have a negative impact on a patient’s oral wellness. For instance, excessive brushing can quickly erode tooth enamel.
- Eating disorders: Different types of eating disorders can have varying effects on dental health. Those with bulimia, for example, may sustain severe enamel erosion due to the teeth’s exposure to stomach acid. Patients with anorexia could suffer from severe nutrient deficiency, leading to dry mouth, mouth sores, swollen saliva glands, and chronic bad breath.
Dental Phobia Is a Form of Mental Illness
Dental phobia is a mental illness that deserves compassion and respect. It can cause panic attacks and related physical symptoms. For many phobic patients, the anxiety is so severe that they neglect their dental visits for years.
Your Lombard dentist offers gentle treatment and will thoroughly explain every procedure in advance to help alleviate any fears you may have. She also provides various forms of sedation so that you will not be fully aware of what is going on during treatment.
Contact Your Lombard Dentist
If you or a loved one suffers from mental illness, the first step, of course, is to seek appropriate psychological care. But since your mental health is tied to every aspect of your wellbeing, it is important to find a Lombard dentist who can work in conjunction with the rest of your care team.
To experience Dr. Glud’s compassionate care, schedule an appointment online. You can also call us at 630-629-5700.
