It’s common knowledge that mental health conditions have an enormous impact on physical wellbeing. Issues like stress, depression, and anxiety are well known for causing symptoms like headaches, acne breakouts, chest pain, digestive issues, and fatigue. However, many people don’t realize that mental health conditions can also impact your teeth and gums! Read on to discover which oral health problems you may be at a higher risk of because of your mental health, and what you can do about it!
Anxiety & Depression Vs Oral Health
Studies show that mental health conditions like anxiety and depression are linked to a higher risk of oral health conditions like:
- Tooth decay: Stress-eating or mindlessly grazing on comfort foods throughout the day provides an endless stream of fuel for cavity-causing bacteria, leading to a rise in tooth decay.
- Gum disease: Anxiety and depression can increase cortisol levels in the body, which can lower the immune system over time. This leaves your gums more susceptible to infection and gum disease.
- Chipped or broken teeth: Chewing on hard objects is a habit that can come about via stress, boredom, or hopelessness. Unfortunately, chewing on items like ice, pen caps, or your fingernails weakens the teeth and can easily break them.
- Bruxism & TMJ disorder: A buildup of tension in the muscles can cause you to grind your teeth in your sleep, which is a condition called bruxism. Not only does this wear down your teeth and raise their risk of damage, but it can lead to serious issues like TMJ disorder as well.
Caring for Your Mental & Oral Health
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways you can take care of both your mental and oral health, like:
- Get dental checkups every six months: Biannual dental checkups give your dentist a chance to spot and stop oral health issues as soon as possible, or hopefully prevent them altogether. They’ll also be happy to give you personalized recommendations on how to best care for your oral health at home in your unique situation.
- Practice excellent oral hygiene: Keeping a regular dental hygiene routine can be a challenge with a mental health condition, but it’s essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Plus, experts report that simple self-care routines can help keep your mental health in check.
- Get the help you need: Identifying and accepting your mental health condition is the first step towards getting the care you need. Talk to your doctor if you think you may have anxiety or depression so they can help you determine the right course of action to treat it.
Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can impact nearly every aspect of everyday life, including your oral health. Thankfully, your doctor and your dentist are here to help! They can give you the personalized care you need to keep your oral and mental health on track.
About the Practice
Tobram Dental is proud to offer the smiles of Brampton and the surrounding communities dental care that is both high-quality and affordable. They’re proud to offer the latest dental treatments featuring state-of-the-art technology and techniques. Additionally, their talented team goes above and beyond at every appointment to make sure their patients feel relaxed, comfortable, and confident. To learn more, they can be contacted via their website or at +1 905-792-7163.
Simrit has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She started her career with Assisting/Treatment co-ordinating and then moved on to becoming the Hygiene Co Ordinator in 2005. In 2012 she took on a new role as the Marketing Director. Though she loved being the Marketing Director, in 2015 she became the Office Manager of Torbram Dental. She completed her Level 1 Dental Assisting program with Career Canada in 1996 and then went on to complete her Level II Dental Assisting Diploma with Southwestern Medix in 1999. That is when she received NDAEB Certification. Simrit has been and still is an active member of the Ontario Dental Assistants Association since 2000. She enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband and two kids and loves to explore new restaurants, especially high-tea venues.
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Jessica, one of our receptionists, is one of the smiling faces you see when you arrive at the office. She graduated with honours from Medix College with a diploma as a Level 2 Dental Assistant. When she is not happily helping our patients, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, going to church on Sunday mornings, gardening and going on hikes.
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Naudia has been working at Torbram Dental for many years and is a valued member of our administrative team: as a dental receptionist and in our marketing team . She graduated from Everest College with honours level 1 and 2, with a diploma in Dental Assisting. Naudia is always there for our patients, making sure that they receive the care and attention they deserve. When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and indulging in civil court TV shows.
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Ramandeep has been a part of Torbram Dental for the past 10 years as certified dental assistant. She obtained her level 1 certification from Everest college in Brampton in 2013, and then her level 2 certification in 2014 from Medix college. Her career path through the clinic has been recognized by staff at all levels who admire her work ethic and dedication to million dollar smiles. In her spare time, Ramandeep enjoys cooking and gardening, and spending time with her husband and 2 kids.
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Sana is a valued member of our dental hygiene team. In 2008 she completed her education at George Brown in Dental Assisting and in 2016 she earned her diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Canadian Academy of Dental Health and Sciences. Sana has been working in dentistry since 2008 and enjoys taking care of our patients and helping them with their oral health. She is married and is busy with her 2 young children. In her spare time, Sana enjoys going out with the family, trying out new places to eat and is looking forward to travelling with them in the future.
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Sanaria has been working at Torbram Dental for many years as a valued member of our Dental Assisting Team. She completed her level 2 dental assisting certification and previously obtained a degree in Education and worked as a quality control officer in the pharmaceutical industry. When not at work Sanaria loves to bake and cook. She also loves story time and enjoying the outdoors with her children. She always sees the positive side of life, believes that nothing is impossible and that if you set a goal and work at it, that you will make your dreams come true.
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Carrie has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She graduated from George Brown College in 1998 with a Dental Assistant Diploma and continued to further her education by completing a Dental Hygiene Diploma in 2001 at Durham College. Carrie is a highly trained and experienced Registered Dental Hygienist who continues to learn and grow by updating her knowledge to provide her clients with the best Oral Health Care techniques and information. Carrie is passionate about Dentistry and is known for her gentle and compassionate manner. She feels strongly about building lasting relationships and trust with her clients to help them understand that good Oral Health leads to good Overall Health. Carrie enjoys travelling, dabbling in decorating and a good Netflix series in her time off. Carrie resides in Halton Hills with her husband and two children.
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Daniela's interest in Dentistry began in Gr.6 when she wrote a speech entitled "My Life as a Toothbrush".
A Registered Dental Hygienist with 22 years of clinical experience, Daniela still has a great passion for her career. The most rewarding aspect for her is building lasting relationships with her patients, and seeing them through to a healthier smile.
Her thorough yet gentle touch will ensure a comfortable visit every time.
Daniela is a total Foodie and loves to cook and enjoys all types of cuisines. She loves Florida, Cruises, organizing things, and most of all spending time with family and friends.
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Stephanie Enjoys getting to know all new patients at Torbram Dental and catching up with long standing Patients. Stephanie enjoys spending quality time with her family. One of her favorite things to do with her daughter is teach and play the piano. Stephanie likes going on walks with her husband and enjoys spending as much time with him as he is an Active Member of the Canadian Army. On Sundays, Stephanie enjoys going to Church and looks forward to Sunday Dinner with her entire family. Stephanie's Favorite thing to do to start her day right is head to her local Starbucks and Grab her favorite drink, an iced black tea with light lemonade on warm days and a blonde vanilla latte on those cold winter days.
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