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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by looneytoon on September 1, 2008, at 20:29:10
Is it possible that a large amount of decay in the mouth increases depression or may not lift completley when on antidepressants due to the decay?
Posted by Partlycloudy on September 2, 2008, at 7:40:21
In reply to Tooth Decay + Depression, posted by looneytoon on September 1, 2008, at 20:29:10
I have not heard of this association. I have heard, though, that those suffering from depression are more likely to not be able to practice good self care, including dental hygiene, which would lead eventually to decay. As long as your depression is untreated, I would expect the self care would be difficult to maintain, and the decay would keep progressing. That's the only connection that I can make.
PartlyCloudy
Posted by Sigismund on September 2, 2008, at 16:47:53
In reply to Re: Tooth Decay + Depression, posted by Partlycloudy on September 2, 2008, at 7:40:21
I have heard that poor gum hygiene leads to increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
If it can do that, depression would not surprise me.
Posted by Partlycloudy on September 2, 2008, at 17:52:04
In reply to Re: Tooth Decay + Depression, posted by Sigismund on September 2, 2008, at 16:47:53
> I have heard that poor gum hygiene leads to increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
From what I've read it has something to do with the bacteria in dental plaque being biologically related to the plaque that forms in arteries. Dental hygienists are pretty clued in to their patients' general state of health (if they are good at their jobs). Likewise they can spot eating disorders because of the erosion of enamel that can be caused by bulemia. I learned a lot in the time I spent working in a dental office.
>
> If it can do that, depression would not surprise me.Huh. So dental decay now equates to mental decay then? I'd like to see that study, Dec.
Posted by looneytoon on September 3, 2008, at 15:11:18
In reply to Re: Tooth Decay + Depression » Sigismund, posted by Partlycloudy on September 2, 2008, at 17:52:04
I have researched the topic a bit. Dentists, if they are aware that the patient is bipolar notice there is a higher tendancy to have more tooth decay and dental work done..also during times that they are manic there would/may be scratching on the teeth due to brushing to hard... That is all I have really found.
Posted by desolationrower on September 16, 2008, at 12:28:58
In reply to Tooth Decay + Depression, posted by looneytoon on September 1, 2008, at 20:29:10
I could believe this. Gingivitis can increase inflammation causing heart disease. Inflammation may be involved in the aetiology of some depression. Also some antidepressants cause dry mouth which is bad for teeth. Having messed up teeth could also affect one's self image.
-D/R
This is the end of the thread.
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