The Connection Between Oral Health and Mental Illness
The Connection Between Oral Health and Mental Illness
In the past, studies have shown a connection between oral health and an increased risk of conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
New research published in the British Medical Journal set out to find whether or not there was a connection between mental health and oral health, and the results might surprise you!
Scientists from Oxford, Birmingham, and Newcastle discovered that patients with a history of gum disease had a higher chance of developing mental health and heart problems.
After looking at 64,000+ patients, the results showed that those with a history of periodontal disease had an increased risk of 37% for developing some form of mental health problem when compared to people who had not suffered from gum disease.
Researchers who worked on the study hope it reinforces just how important early identification of oral health problems are. If it’s time to schedule a checkup with us, give us a call.
