FALLS CHUCH, Va. – Depression is a serious health problem that can affect your emotional, physical and social well-being. According to Centers for Disaster Control and PreventionNearly 20% of adults in the United States have been diagnosed with depression.
One of the symptoms of depression is loss of energy and motivation. This can mean that tasks like brushing your teeth or going to the dentist may seem impossible or even unnecessary. As a result, some people with depression may experience a decline in their oral health.
How does depression affect oral health?
Depression can cause you to neglect your oral health if you are unable to motivate yourself to complete daily tasks like brushing and flossing. This neglect can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss.
Depression can also cause you to adopt unhealthy habits that harm your oral health. Here are some examples of behaviors and symptoms that can affect your oral health:
- Eating or drinking foods that are sugary or high in carbohydrates. These foods and drinks are the main causes of tooth decay.
- Smoking, drinking alcohol or using recreational drugs.
- Dental phobia. Many people with depression worry about their oral hygiene declining and are afraid to attend their regular dental appointments for routine cleanings.
- Dry mouth from antidepressant medications. Dryness can increase the number of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. Make sure you drink plenty of water to prevent this disease from affecting your teeth.
Managing your oral health
If depression is affecting your oral health, there are things you can do to help.
- Talk to your dentist. Tell your dentist if depression affects your ability to care for your teeth. Your dentist can suggest ways to stay on top of your oral health care routine.
- Try eating fruits and vegetables and drinking fluoridated water. The fluoride in fluoridated water helps protect the outer surface of your teeth, called enamel, which can prevent cavities from forming.
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, rinse with fluoride mouthwash, and floss daily.. It may be helpful to keep dental supplies in different locations throughout your home. This way, your dental supplies will be easy to access and you will have several visual reminders to take care of your oral health.
Remember that depression is not something you can just snap out of. This is a serious medical problem. Seek care and support from healthcare professionals, including dentists, and try to make daily tasks of caring for your oral health as easy as possible.
Getting dental care with TRICARE
Dental coverage is separate from TRICARE health plan coverage. Your dental coverage depends on who you are.
Active duty military members receive their dental care at military dental clinics or through the Active Duty Dental Program.
Other types of beneficiaries may be eligible for dental coverage through the TRICARE dental program or the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program. Enrollment in these programs is voluntary, as outlined in the TRICARE Dental Options Fact Sheet.
Getting Mental Health Care with TRICARE
TRICARE health plans cover emergency and non-emergency mental health care. How do you have good mental health Care depends on your beneficiary type and health plan. Go to Mental health appointment to learn more.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. This resource connects you with qualified counselors who can help you get the help you need, 24/7.
