I had the opportunity to speak with oral systems expert Jo-Anne Jones, RDH, and Courtney Tracy, LCSW, PsyD about how oral health and mental health are connected. As mental health continues to lose its stigma, research in this area is increasing.
For starters, when someone is struggling with mental health issues, oral health care can fall by the wayside. It’s hard for someone to participate in activities of daily living when they’re just trying to get through the day.
Jo-Anne is working on new presentations on oral health and mental health. Chronic inflammatory disease has an impact on the brain. This is just one of many areas where we can educate patients and our colleagues.
Dr. Tracy mentions that many mental health medications can cause oral side effects. However, mental health professionals rarely ask their patients about the health of their mouth.
On the other hand, dental professionals are hesitant to approach patients about their mental state and whether it might be affecting their oral health.
Find out what else Jo-Anne, Dr. Tracy, and I cover in this insightful and timely discussion.
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