IMPACT OF MENTAL HEALTH ON ORAL HEALTH

The Mind-Mouth Nexus exposes the inseparable bidirectional link between mental and oral health. Depression anxiety and stress fuel neglect of oral hygiene medication-induced dry mouth and harmful habits (smoking/sugar binges) accelerating cavities gum disease and tooth loss. Conversely oral pain visible decay or tooth loss erodes self-esteem triggers social isolation and worsens mental health through biological pathways: gum inflammation elevates brain inflammatory cytokines (IL-6/TNF-α) impairing mood regulation.High-risk groups severe mental illness (3× tooth loss) elderly substance users (meth mouth) and marginalized communities suffer disproportionately due to stigma poverty and fragmented care.Solutions demand integration:☑️ Dentists screen for depression; psychiatrists prioritize oral referrals.☑️ Trauma-informed dental care for PTSD/anxiety.☑️ Policy: Medicaid dental expansion sugar taxes school fluoride programs.☑️ Community Teledentistry and anti-stigma education.Breaking healthcare silos is urgent. Healing minds requires healing mouths and vice versa.