Across the country, May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month – a time to learn about the impacts of mental health and take action to improve mental health for yourself and those around you. KOHC is highlighting the connections between mental health and oral health, along with ways to take care.  

Here are five key connections between mental health and oral health: 

  1. Depression or anxiety around dental procedures can lead to avoiding needed care. 
  2. Substance use disorder (SUD) is tied to oral health in numerous ways. 
  3. Poor oral health can lead to problems with eating, speaking, and self-esteem, which can in turn lead to isolation and strains on mental health. 
  4. Research shows increasingly clear links between poor oral health and the development of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). 
  5. Dental professionals often experience high levels of stress and burnout. 

Check out these five ways to take care during Mental Health Month and beyond! 

  1. Carequest offers tips for dental professionals to handle patients with dental anxiety. 
  2. Visit KOHC’s Resource Hub to share a flyer with helpful information for patients about Substance Use and Oral Health 
  3. Minimally invasive care can help treat caries among people with ADRD and others who are unable to receive care in a dental office. Learn more about minimally invasive care at KOHC’s June Quarterly Meeting. 
  4. Learn about ways to support mental health and well-being in the dental workplace. 
  5. Share this blog and information provided with your networks to increase awareness during Mental Health Month. 

Take care and join KOHC in recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month throughout the month of May and beyond.