Experts say oral health, alongside physical activity level, is a central determinant of health.
It might be obvious that cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues can lead to pain and difficulty functioning — like eating well, exercising, or focusing on work — but poor oral health is also associated with an increased risk of several chronic health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
And what’s more, oral health issues can have a major impact on your mental well-being.
We’ve partnered with Colgate-Palmolive to help you make a difference in your community by promoting oral health education.
Understanding the mouth-body connection
Good oral health can support your self-confidence and help you participate in society, says the World Health Organization (WHO), influencing your well-being and self-image. Poor oral health, including erosion, cavities, and gum disease, is linked with mental health issues like severe mental illness, affective disorders, and eating disorders. It can also lead to embarrassment, pain, lack of self-confidence, and a reduced ability to participate in the world around you.
And mental health issues like stress are well known to cause oral health problems —- anxiety is associated with tooth grinding.
Another side effect of poor oral hygiene is bad breath, which can lead to embarrassment and low self-esteem. Bad breath can also be a sign of gum disease.
This issue affects everyone
And the link between mental health issues and oral hygiene doesn’t just apply to adults.
A 2021 global research study from Colgate-Palmolive, whose Colgate brand is in more homes than any other (Source: Kantar’s Brand Footprint 2022), revealed the effect of childhood cavities on children and parents’ quality of life and wellbeing.
Ways to promote oral health in your community
This means that when addressing your mental health, it’s important to also consider your dental health — for both children and adults.
Relatively simple habits can significantly reduce oral health risks among children and adults.
Following the recommendations and flossing and brushing with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes twice per day can go a long way.
Here’s what you can do to promote oral health in your community:
If you’re a parent or caregiver
Find ways to engage children in their oral health routine. Leverage an educational tool, such as the two-minute song “Paste Time,” to encourage children and their families to spend two minutes brushing their teeth twice a day.
If you’re a non-dental medical professional
Perform routine oral health screenings during patient assessments in collaboration with oral health professionals.
If you’re a behavioral health provider
Recognize the importance of oral health as a reflection of mental health, incorporating discussions of oral health care into sessions.
If you’re an educator or school official
Learn to recognize the signs of poor oral health in your students. Take steps to promote oral health education in your school(s).
Free resources available
Want to learn more about promoting good oral health and community resources? Here are some resources to get you started:
- KNOW YOUR OQ™ — A free oral health literacy resource powered by Colgate-Palmolive to educate all people about the importance of oral health to your overall health and well-being.
- Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures®. Get downloadable oral health education resources, including videos, coloring books, posters, and more. And learn about Colgate’s oral health initiatives.
- One important program dispatches mobile dental vans to underserved communities to educate and screen millions of children each year.
- Downloadable oral health activity book from the CDC, available in 13 languages. Plus, links to additional resources for oral health education for children.
- Oral health tips for adults from the CDC.
- Tips on oral health for babies, children, and pregnant women from the CDC.
Bottom line
Oral care is essential for our well-being. That means learning to take good care of your oral health with basic oral hygiene.
You can make a difference by helping members of your community make a habit of these important basics.
Visit Know Your OQ to learn more.