{"id":159,"date":"2026-06-08T18:41:39","date_gmt":"2026-06-08T18:41:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.websterlakedental.com\/blog\/?p=159"},"modified":"2026-06-10T19:10:57","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T19:10:57","slug":"depression-how-it-affects-your-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.websterlakedental.com\/blog\/2026\/06\/08\/depression-how-it-affects-your-oral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Protect Your Smile: How Depression Affects Your Oral Health"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Poor oral health can be the result of an unhealthy diet, neglected dental hygiene, infrequent checkups and cleanings, and even depression<\/a>. With the percentage of individuals in the U.S. living with this mental illness climbing to 29% as of 2023, the side effects impact more than just the brain and body; they also affect what happens inside the mouth. Read on to learn how the two are linked and what you can do to keep your smile safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Depression & Oral Health: What is the Link?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Apart from its impact on how you think, depression also affects how you live your life, which may mean you struggle to maintain normal routines, such as brushing and flossing each day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you lack the motivation to practice your morning and nighttime dental hygiene habits, it will begin to show in the health of your teeth and gums. As a result, you may develop tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, infection, or other serious dental issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may also be unmotivated to cook for yourself, resulting in ordering out or eating unhealthy foods that can increase your risk of cavities and disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Can You Do to Protect Your Smile?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although depression is not something you can simply \u201cget rid of,\u201d it is important that you seek professional care to help manage your symptoms. This may include talking to a counselor or psychiatrist who can prescribe certain medications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doing so is a step in the right direction, not only for your mental health but also for your smile. In addition to seeing a professional, you can also adopt the following to ensure your oral health does not suffer as a result of your depression:<\/p>\n\n\n\n