CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® ? a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system ? released a new report during Mental Health Awareness Month that spotlights the growing link between mental health and oral health.
The new visual report, which is based on an increasing body of research from CareQuest Institute's 2022 State of Oral Health Equity in America survey and other scientific literature, highlights eight findings that show how mental health is connected to oral health. For example, depression is linked to poor oral hygiene, fewer dental visits, and other oral health problems.
"We know that depression can significantly affect an individual's emotional well-being and overall functioning," said Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, president and CEO of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. "This Mental Health Awareness Month, we are highlighting a growing body of research that shows that our emotional state is also connected to our oral health and why it's so important to integrate oral health into broader, overall health strategies."
The eight findings from CareQuest Institute and other scientific literature include:
To learn more about this topic, read CareQuest Institute's recent post, "Three Resources That Explore the Connection Between Oral Health and Mental Health."
??About CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® is a national nonprofit championing a more equitable future where every person can reach their full potential through excellent health. We do this through our work in grantmaking, research, health improvement programs, policy and advocacy, and education as well as our leadership in dental benefits and innovation advancements. We collaborate with thought leaders, health care providers, patients, and local, state, and federal stakeholders, to accelerate oral health care transformation and create a system designed for everyone. To learn more, visit carequest.org and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.