Dental health and mental health are more closely linked than often realized. Individuals experiencing dental problems, such as cavities, bad breath, or swollen gums, can feel significant impacts on their mental well-being. Pain, discomfort, and worries about dental appearance can affect confidence and increase stress and anxiety levels.
Conversely, poor mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety disorders often impact dental care habits. Stress and depression can reduce motivation to brush teeth or maintain oral hygiene, increasing the risk of dental problems. When self-care declines, dental issues escalate, creating a vicious cycle where each problem exacerbates the other.
Many studies show that maintaining good dental health benefits not only physical health but also mental well-being. Regular dental care practices, such as brushing teeth twice daily, flossing, and visiting the dentist, can help preserve oral health and improve mental wellness. Psychological therapy or support can also aid individuals in maintaining self-care habits and mitigating the negative effects of mental health on their dental health. Therefore, maintaining dental health is not just about physical well-being but also an essential way to enhance overall quality of life.
Mental health is defined as a positive characteristic that reflects harmony and balance of the mind, indicating a mature personality without mental disorders. It can be concluded that mental health relates to psychological well-being, which cannot be directly observed but is crucial for daily life.
Good dental health supports mental well-being, while good mental health encourages self-care habits, including optimal dental hygiene. By educating people on the connection between dental and mental health, we can improve public understanding of health maintenance. In this way, the Faculty of Dentistry at UGM supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being and Goal 4 on Quality Education.
Author : Rizky B. Hendrawan | Photo : Freepik
