{"id":159,"date":"2025-06-12T10:49:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-12T10:49:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sehnertprecisiondentistry.com\/blog\/?p=159"},"modified":"2025-07-21T16:56:55","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T16:56:55","slug":"the-link-between-gum-disease-and-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sehnertprecisiondentistry.com\/blog\/2025\/06\/12\/the-link-between-gum-disease-and-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Foul Gums, Foul Mood: The Link Between Gum Disease and Mental Health"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Without a doubt, infected gums<\/a> cause all sorts of problems for your smile. These include bleeding and swelling of your mouth tissues, a greater risk of tooth loss, and worse. However, gum infections don\u2019t just affect the body; they can also impact your mood. You should always prevent (or treat) them to keep your frame of mind stable. Therefore, here\u2019s a primer on the link between gum disease and mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Remind Me: What\u2019s Gum Disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To see how gum disease connects to mental health, you need to grasp its basics first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gum disease is the infection of your gums \u2013 the pink tissues that surround your teeth. Often, it results from plaque buildup caused by a poor diet, bad oral care, and similar factors. Bacteria from such plaque can lead to the disease\u2019s first stage, gingivitis \u2013 a slight gum inflammation. The inflamed tissues can then suffer the second stage \u2013 periodontitis \u2013 and develop a full-blown infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gingivitis is reversible with treatment and good hygiene, but the same isn\u2019t true of periodontitis. This latter form of gum disease can only be managed at best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does It Impact Mental Health?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Left to itself, gum disease can deal a severe blow to one\u2019s mental health. The condition often results in various mood disorders once it becomes severe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This finding comes from a 2021 University of Birmingham study, which reviewed the records of over 64,000 patients with gum disease. Researchers noted that people with infected gums were more likely to develop negative moods than those without. In fact, those in the former group faced a 37% increased risk of suffering anxiety, depression, and similar issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The study authors believe the high risk comes from a low quality of life. According to co-study author Dr. Devan Raindi, \u201cthe consequences of periodontitis\u2026have a psychosocial impact on an individual.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are There Ways to Reduce Your Risk?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To maintain a better mood, you can reduce your risk of gum disease. Just remember to do the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n