The unique connection between oral and mental health

read Adult Oral Health, Lifestyle
Depression, bipolar disorders, and other mental health illnesses can have a negative impact on oral health. Learn more about the strong oral and mental health connection.

*Updated May 2023

Mind and Mouth Connection

The connection between oral health and mental health

The connection between oral health and physical health is well-known. For example, poor oral health puts you at a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, and other serious illnesses. But what about the connection between oral health and mental health? You may be surprised at how connected the two are.

The medical and oral health disconnect

Before jumping into the connection between oral and mental health, it’s important to understand the historical separation between the two. Centuries ago, practicing dentistry and practicing medicine were the same. However, in the mid-1800s the creation of dental schools and medical schools essentially divided oral health from the rest of medical education, according to the AMA Journal of Ethics.

Now, there is a strong push to overcome this historical separation by reintegrating oral health care into medical care. One of the reasons behind this movement is because of the variety of physical diseases that can initially be diagnosed by dentists and then treated by physicians.

Some of the conditions that can be spotted by your dentist include:

  • Diabetes
  • Oral cancer
  • Osteoporosis
  • Anemia
  • GERD
  • HIV
  • Eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa

Mental health impacts oral health

The effects of poor mental health on oral health are becoming a focus for dentists and mental health professionals alike. Studies have found that people with mental disorders are less likely to have good oral hygiene habits, such as consistent brushing or seeing a dentist regularly, which can lead to dental disease and other health problems.

The type of mental disorder someone has can lead to different dental problems. Here are just a few ways poor mental health can cause poor oral health:

Depression

People with depression are:

Bipolar Affective Disorder (BD)

People with BD are:

Eating disorders

Individuals with eating disorders, specifically bulimia nervosa, are more susceptible to having tooth decay.

Oral health impacts on mental health

The connection between oral health and mental health is a two-way street. Much like how poor mental health can lead to poor oral health outcomes, poor oral health can also worsen existing mental health problems.

Here are just a few ways bad oral health can exacerbate mental health problems:

  • Some dental problems affect speech, which can lead to anxiety in social settings.
  • Chronic bad breath can also lead to anxiety in social settings.
  • Tooth loss is more likely to occur in individuals with mental disorders. This can lead to a negative self-image and decreased desire to do things they enjoy.
  • Pain associated with certain dental diseases can negatively affect the quality of life.

Embracing the connection between oral and mental health

The connection between mental health and oral health is important. In fact, some mental health care professionals are encouraging mental health clinicians to ask about oral health care as a part of the comprehensive screening process for those with severe mental disorders.

While the full understanding of the connection between oral and mental health is in very early stages, it’s important to recognize the unique connection and develop methods and policies to improve the lives of those living with mental health issues.

Top 5 ways to ease dental anxiety

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Don’t let dental anxiety keep you from visiting the dentist. Try these five tips to experience anxiety relief.

Does the thought of visiting the dentist ever make you feel uneasy, nervous, or scared? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. In fact, experiencing feelings of fear or anxiousness about going to the dentist is more common than you think. Today, it’s reported that about 36% of people in the U.S. fear dental treatment.

Although dental anxiety is common, there are many things you can do to calm your nerves and make you feel confident about your visits. Keep reading to learn more about our top five ways to experience anxiety relief at the dentist.

Top 5 ways to ease dental anxiety

If you have dental anxiety, you may be more likely to put off dental visits. Unfortunately, postponing visits and not getting the proper care you need can lead to poor oral health down the line. Luckily, there are things you can do to ease dental anxiety to make your dental visits more enjoyable.

Talk to your dentist and hygienist 

The best way to ease dental anxiety is to communicate your feelings with your dental team. If the appointment makes you nervous, tell them! By informing them of your situation, they’ll know they need to give explanations and assurances throughout each step of your appointment so you know what to expect from start to finish. They may also guide you through other anxiety relief techniques. 

Drown out the noise

Today, many dental offices offer the option for patients to watch TV during their appointment. If you get the choice, turn the volume up on your headphones to mute out the sound of potential anxiety-inducing instruments and tools. If your dentist doesn’t provide headphones, feel free to bring your own and listen to a show, movie, podcast, or music.

Practice meditation

Meditation is a great way to calm both your mental and physical self before, during, and after a dental visit. It doesn’t have to be something elaborate, but even just taking the time to focus on your breathing can help. Take deep breaths in and long breaths out and make a note of how you feel while doing it. If you brought headphones, feel free to use a meditation app for different guided meditations.

Bring a family member or friend

If the support of friends and family eases your mind, bringing someone close to you may make you feel more comfortable during your visit. Ask your dental office if they’re okay with having a companion sit in the room with you.

Discuss medication options 

If natural remedies don’t provide you the anxiety relief you’re looking for, your dentist may be able to prescribe anti-anxiety medication for you to take before an appointment. You and your dentist may also discuss the possibility of sedation and decide that something like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) may be a great option to keep you calm.

Don’t let dental anxiety keep you from the dentist

At the end of the day, you can’t hide from the dentist forever. Dental visits are essential for your oral and overall health, so it’s important that you invest the time in finding ways to relieve your dental anxiety. Next time you have a dental appointment, try one of the tips above!

What to do after an eye injury

read Lifestyle, Vision Benefits
Do you know what to do after an eye injury? Eye injuries can be mild or severe and are more common than you may think. Learn more about what to do after an eye injury to prevent further damage and protect your vision.

When you think about injuries, what comes to mind? Broken bones? Sprained ankles? Maybe a laceration? Most people do not think of the eyes as a common place to have an injury. However, each year an estimated 2.4 million people suffer from eye injuries in the United States. That’s more than 6,000 eye injuries per day!

If you find yourself dealing with an eye injury, the steps you take after can be the difference between a full recovery and vision loss. Keep reading for information on what to do after an eye injury.

Causes of eye injuries

Eye injuries are caused by many things including accidents, exposure to certain chemicals, sports, foreign objects in the eyes, and so on. According to Prevent Blindness, 125,000 eye injuries each year are caused by common household products such as cleaning products, gardening materials like fertilizer, and even grass clippings when mowing the lawn. Additionally, more than 2,000 people a day injure their eyes at work in the United States, and over 25,000 people seek treatment for sports-related eye injuries each year.

Incurring an eye injury is easy to do and can cost you immensely – both financially and physically. The good news is that with proper eye protection, 90% of these injuries can be prevented.

Types of eye injuries

Eye injuries can be considered mild, which need little treatment, to severe, where more invasive treatment is necessary. Here are some of the most common eye injuries according to the Cleveland Clinic:

  • Black eyes
  • Bleeding in the eye
  • Burns caused by chemicals, fumes, and other irritants
  • Corneal abrasions
  • Injury from foreign objects
  • Irritations caused by chemicals, fumes, and other irritants
  • Retinal detachment

While some of these injuries can be treated at home, others need immediate treatment from a doctor. No matter how severe an eye injury is, it’s important to follow up with an eye doctor as soon as possible to prevent further complications.

What to do after an eye injury

If you find yourself with an eye injury, it’s important to contact your general physician for advice. Many medical providers have options to chat online rather than having to make an appointment. However, if the eye injury is severe, such as an object stuck in the eye, a trip to the emergency room is necessary.

Often doctors will recommend anyone with an eye injury come in for an exam. During the exam your doctor may do the following:

  • Check your eyes for signs of injury like redness, bruising, swelling, etc.
  • Check for abnormalities in and around your eyeballs
  • Monitor how your eyes move and pupils contract and expand
  • Conduct an eye exam to look inside your eyes
  • Perform medical imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds

After a doctor has completed the exam, they will give you further instructions for treatment. In some cases, a cold compress may be all you need. However, in more severe cases such as retinal detachments, surgery is required. Most of the time mild eye injuries can be treated with eye flushing, eyedrops, or eye patches that allow the eye to rest while it heals.

It’s very important to follow through with your treatment to prevent things like vision loss or additional damage to your eye.

How to prevent eye injuries

The key to preventing eye injuries is to use the proper protective gear when doing certain activities. If you participate in sports, sports goggles or glasses are widely available. For jobs that involve construction or simply doing chores around the house, safety goggles keep debris from entering the eyes. Some safety goggles even prevent irritants such as fumes, vapors, chemical splashes, and other harmful substances from entering the eyes.

Keeping your eyes safe is important. One way to keep your eyes healthy and safe is to have vision insurance. Learn more about our vision insurance options now.

The importance of eye protection when playing sports

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Eye injuries are common in sports, especially when eye protection is not utilized. Learn more about the importance of eye protection for adults and children when playing sports.

*Updated September 2023

Athletes know the importance of protecting their bodies when playing sports. Helmets, pads, and mouth guards are just a few of the items used to keep them safe. When it comes to vision and eye protection, however, there tends to be less concern.

Discover why using eye protection while participating in sports is an essential part of keeping your eyes and vision safe.

Most sports should feature eye protection

What sports come to mind when you think of eye injuries? People tend to think about action sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking, but there are other activities such as basketball, hockey, boxing, and soccer that run the risk of an eye injury.

Although many traditional sports in the United States don’t require eye protection, parents and participants may want to consider adding it to their list of protective items.

Below is a chart of activities with varying risks of eye injury:

Some sports, such as paintball and fencing, run a high risk of eye injury and require participants to wear eye protection. Others such as hockey, baseball, and softball don’t require eye protection. Unfortunately, significant injuries can occur if a player takes a hockey puck or ball to the eye.

Sports such as biking, skiing, snowboarding, and swimming have a lower injury risk, but that doesn’t mean eye protection isn’t a good idea. Bikers should wear eye protection to prevent small items such as pebbles or sand from entering their eyes. Skiers and snowboarders get multiple benefits from wearing goggles. Not only do their goggles prevent debris and wind from getting into their eyes, but many types also have protection against the sun.

Eye protection can help prevent infections, too. Swim goggles protect against chlorine, bacteria, and other chemicals from entering the eye. These chemicals can cause irritation and other medical problems in the eye.

Sport-related eye injuries

Sport-related eye injuries are more common than many people think. Here are some of the types of eye injuries that can occur when playing sports without proper eye protection:

  • Corneal Abrasion: Corneal abrasion occurs when the cornea, or “the clear, protective ‘window’ at the front of the eye,” is scratched or injured. This tends to happen when a small object such as a pebble, dirt, toys, or a ball hits the eye.
  • Hyphema: Hyphema is bleeding in and around the eye, usually after being struck by something. If this appears, it is crucial to get medical care immediately.
  • Black eye: A black eye occurs after impact with the eye causes the surrounding tissue to bruise.
  • Fractures: Fractures occur when one or more bones surrounding the eye are broken. This is usually caused by a significant impact. Orbital fractures can cause severe damage to the eye, so going to see an eye doctor is imperative.
  • Eyelid laceration: Eyelid lacerations are scratches or cuts that occur on the eyelid. If this happens, have an eye physician examine the cornea, pupil, and retina to make sure the laceration doesn’t impair you or your child’s vision.

Choosing the right eye protection 

The best way to protect your eyes and vision is to choose the correct protective gear. Different types of sports glasses and goggles are available for reasonable prices. Here are some of the most common options:

  • Sports glasses: Also known as “rec specs,” sports glasses are more common in sports with limited contact or a lower intensity.
  • Sports goggles: Often used in sports with high speeds and the potential for contact. This is because sports goggles stay on your face much better than sports glasses.

Pro tip: Sports goggles and sports glasses can often be customized with prescription lenses. Be sure to talk with a vision specialist for more information.

Lastly, it’s crucial that whatever type of eye protection you get fits correctly. Protective eye gear that doesn’t fit properly may not provide adequate protection and compromise your vision, which could result in serious injury.

Looking for more information on keeping your eyes healthy? Check out The Sun and Our Vision | Prevent Eye Damage from the Sun.

What are the different types of dentists?

read Adult Oral Health, Dental Trends
If you're looking for a dentist, there are a few different types to choose from. Learn about the most common dental specialties and choose a dentist that’s right for you.

Visiting your dentist is essential to maintaining proper oral health. But did you know that there are several different types of dentists? Just like doctors specialize in different parts of the body, dentists specialize in different oral health concerns. Dentists that go on to receive a specialty may study for up to eight more years after four years of standard dental school!

So how do you know which type of dentist is right for your dental needs? Let’s learn more below.

Types of dentists

The type of dentist you should see depends on the oral health condition you have or need to treat. Below are some of the most common dental specialties.

General Dentist

General dentists are your primary care dental providers responsible for managing your oral health, including general education, routine cleanings, and minor treatments to help prevent major oral health concerns. General dentists diagnose and treat any issues related to gum care, root canals, fillings, crowns, veneers, and bridges.

Visit a general dentist if: It’s time for a routine cleaning or check-up, you lose or crack a tooth, you’re experiencing oral pain, or notice any other signs of disease or infection.

Education: Three or more years of undergraduate education plus four years of dental school.

Orthodontist

Orthodontists specialize in treating teeth and jaw irregularities. They can correct existing conditions or prevent developing problems with removable dental devices such as braces, retainers, and bands.

Visit an orthodontist if: You have crooked or unevenly spaced teeth, an overbite or an underbite, or a jaw misalignment that needs correcting.

Education: Three or more years of undergraduate education, four years of dental school, and three years of specialized orthodontic training.

Pediatric Dentist

​Pediatric dentists specialize in oral care for infants, children, and teenagers. Not only do pediatric dentists carry specific knowledge of children’s teeth, but they receive special education to also be patient and comforting during exams and procedures.

Visit a pediatric dentist if: Your child is six months to 18 years of age and requires general dental care.

Education: Three or more years of undergraduate education, four years of dental school, plus at least two additional years of training in dentistry for infants, children, teens, and children with special needs.

Periodontist

Periodontists specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease. Periodontists manage gum disease that is considered severe and, therefore, cannot be treated by your general dentist. In addition, periodontists will provide you with implants or perform corrective procedures such as root scaling and root planing.

Visit a periodontist if: You have severe gum disease that requires periodontal treatment.

Education: Three or more years of undergraduate education, four years of dental school, and three years of specialized training in periodontics.

Oral Surgeon

An oral surgeon performs surgery on the mouth, jaw, and face. Among the different types of dentists, oral surgeons receive the most training. Common problems they treat include tooth extractions, corrective jaw surgery, or cleft lip and palate repair.

Visit an oral surgeon if: Your dentist recommends surgery. (See a list of common oral surgeries here).

Education: Three or more years of undergraduate education, four years of dental school, plus four to eight years of additional training.

Prosthodontist

Prosthodontists specialize in repairing natural teeth and replacing missing teeth, as well as restoring jaw structures. Unlike general dentists, prosthodontists repair and replace these teeth with artificial ones (dentures, implants, caps, and crowns).

Visit a prosthodontist if: You have missing, decayed, broken, or damaged teeth that need prosthetic replacement; or have problems with your jaw that require specialized attention.

Education: Three or more years of undergraduate education, four years of dental school, and three years of specialized training in prosthodontics.

If you’re still unsure whether or not you need to see a specialized dentist, consult with your general dentist about which dentist is right for you and your needs.

Optometrist vs. ophthalmologist: What is the difference?

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Do you know the difference between an optometrist vs ophthalmologist? Most people don’t. Learn more about each specialty to make sure you are seeing the correct person for your eye care needs.

If you are confused about the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist, you’re not alone! Not many people fully understand the difference between the two.

In this article we will cover the similarities and differences between optometrists and ophthalmologists so you can be confident you are seeing the correct person for your vision needs.

What is an optometrist?

According to the American Optometric Association, an optometrist examines, diagnoses, treats, and manages diseases and disorders of the eye. In addition to providing eye and vision care, they play a major role in an individual’s overall health and well-being by detecting systemic diseases and diagnosing, treating, and managing ocular manifestations of those diseases, and providing vaccinations.

Doctors of optometry complete pre-professional undergraduate education in a college or university and four years of professional education at a college of optometry, leading to the doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree. Many doctors of optometry complete an additional residency in a specific area of practice.

What is an ophthalmologist? 

An ophthalmologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and disorders. Ophthalmologists are qualified to perform surgery, prescribe medication, and provide vision care.

In general, ophthalmologists’ scope of practice includes all of the care that an optometrist provides as well as secondary and tertiary eye care that includes major ocular surgery. Most ophthalmologists specialize in specific areas of the eye such as retina, glaucoma, pediatrics, etc.

To become an ophthalmologist, one must complete college and at least an additional eight years of medical training. After receiving a Doctor of Medicine degree, ophthalmologists can practice medicine and surgery on patients.

Ophthalmologists generally work in clinics and hospitals.

Optometrists and ophthalmologists are important for vision care

Both specialties are important for vision care. Often an optometrist will be the first to spot an eye abnormality and can refer a patient to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation.

Optometrists and ophthalmologists are your first line of defense against eye diseases and vision loss. Be sure to go to an eye exam each year to keep track of any changes or abnormalities in your vision. Vision insurance makes it easy to find and schedule visits with both optometrists and ophthalmologists.

Learn more about our vision insurance options.

Smile, employers! There are ways to create a more positive workplace.

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Taking care of employees is the best thing businesses of any size can do to make sure they are successful. Learn more:

Do you help make your employees smile? Happy workers make for a more successful business. When workers feel respected and valued, they’re more likely to be happy and engaged.

Workplaces that lack a positive atmosphere have higher absenteeism, more accidents, increased errors and defects, decreased productivity, and lower profitability. Additionally, research has found that employees are dealing with more mental health issues such as increased feelings of anxiety, panic attacks, and depression, particularly in the post-COVID era.

Taking care of employees is the best thing businesses of any size can do to make sure they are successful. Therefore, we’ve compiled some of the top ways to create and maintain a more positive workspace – essential for businesses and their employees. Try implementing some or all of the recommendations below to see more smiles in the office.

1. Make employees feel valued.

Employees care about more than just their salary. In fact, 88% of job seekers give “heavy consideration to better health, dental, and vision insurance benefits when choosing their job” according to a survey by FRACTL. By offering an attractive benefits package that addresses their additional needs and wants, you can help reduce their stress and increase their happiness. Strong medical, dental, and vision benefits are the most valued benefits by job seekers. And, of course, dental coverage will help employees keep a healthy smile that they will love to show off.

2. Embrace work/life balance

The COVID pandemic required employees who typically worked in offices to work from home. During this time, employees began to embrace a solid work/life balance they had never experienced before the pandemic. Now, nearly three years after the start of the pandemic, employees have grown to appreciate the flexibility of working remotely. Businesses who embrace a strong work/life balance, and offer flexible hours and remote work options tend to have happier employees compared to those who are requiring full-time in-person workplaces.

3. Give employees a voice. 

Gather feedback on your benefits program to make sure employees know you are listening and working to make sure your benefits — including your dental plan — are meeting their needs.

4. Do little things that make a big difference. 

Recognize accomplishments often. Companies who have formal recognition programs have 31% less voluntary turnover compared to those with no programs. Celebrate a job well done and goals that are met by individuals and teams. Smaller, more frequent, positive feedback and rewards have been proven to keep employees happier than large but less frequent events.

Another simple way to show appreciation in the office? Keep employees happy and protect their smiles by stocking plenty of healthy, smile-friendly snacks around the office. Low-sugar yogurt, almonds, and crunchy fruits and vegetables like apple and carrots are all great choices.

Top five ways to take care of your children’s teeth

read Children's Oral Health
Father and daughter brushing their teeth.

*Updated February 2025

If you’ve spent time around children, you’re probably familiar with the challenge of getting them to brush their teeth. However, prioritizing your child’s oral health is essential for their overall well-being.

Believe it or not, there are steps parents can take even before birth to kickstart caring for children’s teeth. After birth, the journey to a healthy and happy smile begins much earlier than many might think.

Five ways to care for your children’s teeth

1. Good oral health starts before birth

Many mothers are unaware that their oral health habits during pregnancy can impact their unborn children’s teeth. Due to changes in hormones and symptoms of pregnancy, pregnant mothers are more likely to experience dental problems, including:

Taking care of oral health before birth is important for both the mother and baby.

Click here for more information on pregnancy and oral health.

2. Start a good oral health care routine young

Many parents don’t realize just how important it is to establish good oral health habits early. In fact, actively caring for your children’s teeth begins the moment they are born.

Use these oral health routine tips for infants/young kids:

If you aren’t comfortable with your child brushing on their own, continue to brush for them and ask your dentist for tips and tricks to help your child pick it up.

3. Model good oral health behaviors

Children are natural imitators. They love to mimic what they see the adults around them do. Even when you think they’re not paying attention, they’re observing more than you realize. Use this to your advantage by setting a positive example and showing them the importance of a consistent oral health routine.

Try these tips to teach your child to correct way to brush:

  1. Splash your toothbrush with water.
  2. Apply a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
  3. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle.
  4. Insert the toothbrush into your mouth and begin gently brushing in small circles on each tooth for a total of two minutes.
  5. Repeat this process twice a day.

Remind your child that although two minutes might seem like an eternity, it is important for each tooth to be brushed and cleaned correctly.

4. Use the right oral health tools

Oral health care can only be effective if you have the proper oral health tools.

Here are some must-haves for taking care of your children’s teeth and mouth:

  • Gauze pads or a clean washcloth to use on gums before teeth appear
  • Fluoride toothpaste
  • Child toothbrush (ADA Approved)
  • Dental floss
  • Regular dental checkups

The tools needed to keep children’s teeth and mouths healthy are quite similar to those used by adults. However, it’s important to choose toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other oral health essentials designed specifically for small hands and mouths to ensure they’re both effective and comfortable for your child.

5. See a dentist early

Teaching your kids about the importance of oral health is essential, but maintaining your children’s teeth also requires regular visits to the dentist. These visits are crucial because dentists can clean areas that toothbrushes and floss can’t reach, which is especially important for children who may miss spots when brushing.

Additionally, your child’s dentist can detect early signs of tooth decay or potential cavities, helping to prevent bigger issues down the road. Regular dental checkups set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Click here to find a dentist and schedule an appointment today.

Prioritize your children’s teeth today for a healthier tomorrow 

By taking proactive steps to prioritize your child’s oral health—from before birth to their first dental visits—you’re setting them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Good oral hygiene habits, the right tools, and regular dental checkups all play a vital role in preventing cavities and ensuring your child’s overall well-being.

Remember, a little effort today can lead to big rewards for your child’s future. Start their journey to a healthy, happy smile today!

Want to learn more about pediatric oral health? Check out this blog: Long term effects of poor oral health care on children.

Mouth ulcer development and the link to stress, anxiety, depression

read Adult Oral Health, Lifestyle
Conditions like stress, anxiety, depression, distress, and loneliness are linked to poor oral health and a higher risk of developing dental problems such as mouth ulcers. Learn more about what causes mouth ulcers.

As we’ve been sharing for years, oral health is tightly connected to our overall health. Conditions like stress, distress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness are linked with poor oral health, including the development of painful mouth ulcers.

A study from the National Library of Medicine found that there is a casual relationship between stress-related mood instability, insomnia, and anxiety and the development of mouth ulcers. In this blog we dive into the causes of mouth ulcers and how taking care of your mental health may reduce your risk of developing them.

What is a mouth ulcer?

Mouth ulcers are sores that can form on your lips, gums, inner cheeks, or roof of your mouth. Sometimes called canker sores, these lesions in the mouth can be very painful even though they’re usually not harmful to your health. The sores are generally red or yellow and will go away on their own with time. However, if you experience chronic mouth ulcers it’s important to chat with your dentist as it could indicate a more serious health condition such as diabetes, immune disorders, HIV and AIDs, and more.

What causes mouth ulcers?

Mouth ulcers are caused by many things including tissue injury in the mouth, biting the tongue or inner cheeks, vitamin deficiencies, eating a lot of acidic food, infections, and using abrasive toothpaste.

The painful sores are also caused by increased stress, hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and anxiety.

Research connects mental and oral health with mouth ulcers

As the understanding of the connection between oral and mental health continues to grow, dentists and doctors are starting to work together to provide optimal care for their patients. Mental health in particular seems to have a serious impact on an individual’s oral health.

Mental health disorders such as stress and anxiety have been linked to a higher likelihood of developing mouth ulcers. Research suggests that stress is linked to disrupting immune system components, leading to an overall imbalance in hormones and chemicals in the body. This imbalance is often associated with the development of mouth ulcers.

In addition to biological factors, poor mental health has been linked to an increased risk of poor oral health habits. People struggling with mental health disorders are less likely to brush their teeth and floss regularly and go to dental checkups.

The mind and mouth connection

Taking care of your mental health, recognizing and reducing stressful situations, and finding ways to deal with anxiety may help reduce your risk of developing painful mouth ulcers (and other dental or medical problems). It’s important to talk with a medical professional to help alleviate or treat the problems. The mind to mouth connection is strong!

Learn more about the oral and overall health connection:

When your child says “I’m scared of the dentist”

read Children's Oral Health
Dental fears can eventually lead to poor oral health. Here are ways to help if your child says they’re scared of the dentist!

We know visits to the dentist play a critical role in maintaining a child’s oral health. That might be hard for kids to understand as they lie back in an unfamiliar office with a stranger standing over them and loud noises coming from every direction.

Unfortunately, fear of the dentist can lead to a delay in treatment and eventually poor oral health for everyone, including children. There are ways to help your children with dental anxiety. Keep reading for some helpful tips when your child says, “I’m scared of the dentist!”

Tips to alleviate children’s fear of the dentist

Although it can be frustrating, helping your child get over their fear of the dentist is one of the best things parents can do. Here are some ideas to get started:

Start early

Your child should meet the dentist as soon as baby teeth come in, or by his or her first birthday. Starting early shows kids that dental visits are important in helping them keep their best smile. These visits also make your child more comfortable with the dental office when they come back for regular checkups as they get older.

Choose a pediatric dentist

You might think it’s a better idea to choose a family provider, but finding a pediatric dentist for your child is a better option. After dental school, pediatric dentists take two to three years of specialty training to make them experts at treating kids, including young patients who express fear of the dentist. Their offices are also more likely to feature kid-friendly decorations and comfort toys.

Watch your words

It may be tempting to give reassurance by saying “it won’t hurt” or “it won’t be scary,” but those statements can actually give kids the impression that they have something to look out for. Explain that the dentist will use special tools to make sure their teeth are clean and healthy and things might get loud sometimes. You can tell your child that you visited the dentist as a kid too, but leave out the unnecessary stories that mention negative experiences.

Practice patience and pay attention

Don’t get mad or feel embarrassed by your child’s anxiety. Forcing them through the appointment by pinning their arms down, yelling, or making threats can make the experience worse. Consider going into the exam room with your child. Kids older than eight may not need the extra support, but for children who are younger, holding their hand or allowing them to sit on your lap during the exam can give them the comfort they need. If your child clams up or gets shy when the hygienist starts asking questions, they may need you to answer for them. But don’t be the parent who tries to take over the exam room – trust the staff and know that they also want to make it through the appointment.

Defeating fear of the dentist in children is important

When it comes to your children, nothing is more important than their health. Helping them understand the importance of seeing a dentist and ways to deal with their dental worries will help ensure good oral health now and in the future.

Need help finding a pediatric dentist? Click here.