Research from Germany shows that 40% of Europeans suffer from some form of mental illness (anxiety, insomnia, depression, etc.). A large percentage of patients taking antidepressant medications, as well as antihistamines, anticholinergics, antihypertensives, and antipsychotics, may experience dry mouth. These medications can cause underfunctioning of the salivary glands or change the normal pH of the mouth.
Saliva acts to regulate the acids produced by dental plaque and maintains a healthy environment in the oral cavity to preserve teeth. A reduction in saliva flow increases the risk of cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, and bad breath. Patients with dry mouth often try to relieve their symptoms by eating sweets, chewing gum containing sugar, or drinking cariogenic and acidic drinks. All of these can further increase the risk of tooth surface erosion and cavities.
When patients start taking antidepressant or antipsychotic medications, it is important to inform them of the risk of dry mouth and its potential negative effects. The World Health Organization and the American Dental Association recommend that before starting medication, patients should undergo a dental check-up followed by treatment of any active dental disease. Instructions for meticulous oral hygiene should be provided by the attending dentist. Follow-up appointments to assess oral and dental health should be scheduled every three to six months.
Therapeutic and preventive strategies are recommended for managing the oral and dental effects of dry mouth. Dental management includes the use of products that promote tooth remineralization as a means of preventing cavities. This can include the use of fluoride, either applied topically by the dentist or in the form of high-fluoride toothpaste for daily home use. Additionally, the use of sugar-free gum is valuable for this purpose.
In conclusion, prevention can again provide solutions to avoid bad breath, tooth loss, and poor oral hygiene, which directly affect both physical and mental health.
Informing patients by the dentist about the impact stress can have on their oral health is a crucial point for improving and maintaining their oral and overall health.
