Many people are ashamed or even vain about talking about their dental problems or even tooth loss, but this still leaves a mark on their psyche about their oral difficulties. The psychological impact is far-reaching and can affect social relationships and even depression.

According to a study published by the Cleveland Clinic, dental health problems such as toothache, gum disease and tooth loss can negatively affect a person’s self-esteem and social relationships, which can lead to depression and anxiety. In addition, mental disorders such as teeth grinding (bruxism) can also exacerbate dental conditions, further increasing the risk of mental health problems.

According to Eszter Ferenczi, a dental hygienist, psychological consequences may not only be caused by dental problems, but the emotional impact that patients experience at the dentist can also contribute to mental changes.

“It’s not so much about the specific experience patients have during a visit to the dentist, but more about the impact of different health interventions or tooth loss. The latter can be very hard on patients, some of whom can’t accept the new prosthesis, don’t smile as much, cover their mouths and feel embarrassed,” said the dental hygienist and dental technician.

He also explained how dental problems can lead to serious psychological problems, which not only affect aesthetics but can also leave a deep mark on the patient’s psyche.

“I was at a lecture where the owner of a multinational company that sells dental care products told me that a study carried out in Germany had looked at the impact of losing a tooth on the psyche and therefore on human relationships. They found that there is a strong correlation between the two, as people who are psychologically affected are less likely to socialise, smile less and are more prone to depression.

Hysteria attack and job failure

According to Eszter Ferenczi, oral problems are like an open secret: everyone experiences and feels it, everyone has lost a tooth sooner or later, but the impact on the individual varies greatly.

“Some people literally have hysterics about the condition, it’s so devastating that they can’t fit it into their vanity. I’ve met patients whose wife didn’t even know she’d lost a tooth because she was so embarrassed. Here, the trauma of losing a tooth goes hand in hand with vanity, but there is also the added stress of how to deal with it later.”

The expert also pointed out that there is another psychological aspect to the deterioration of the mouth and teeth. When we see a person we do not know, we usually look first at their eyes and then immediately at their mouth, because that is where we hear and listen to their speech. That is why in many cases the first meeting is doomed if the condition of the mouth is neglected or in a very poor state. Only then do we notice other details about the other person. Another problem can be bad breath, which also has a strong impact on social relationships, either affecting the person who is uncomfortable if they are aware of it and the problem that is causing it, or the person they are talking to if they are unaware of it.
“I spoke to an HR person who told me that there were two applicants for the same position, but one of them had such bad teeth that he was eliminated at the first stage. Because he seemed unkempt, they decided that if he wasn’t good enough for himself, he wouldn’t be good enough for the job.

Prevention is key

Hungarians’ knowledge of dental care is very poor in many areas and dental habits are a major contributor to the alarming state of our teeth. The expert also drew attention to the fact that the common brushing and oral care methods are not always appropriate.

The development of a problem is influenced not only by lifestyle and genetics, but also by our oral care habits.

“Previous research has already shown, for example, that a third of Hungarians change their toothbrushes only every six months, some only once a year, and the vast majority only go to the dentist when they are in trouble, few people have their teeth cleaned and one of the most common dental problems, bleeding gums, is not even addressed. My advice to everyone is to see a dentist immediately in case of problems, but the most important thing is prevention, preventing or reducing problems and regular check-ups and dental check-ups,” the expert said.

According to Eszter Ferenczi, complete prevention is almost impossible, sometimes an intervention is necessary. The dental product range, the first to be manufactured and developed in Hungary, conceived by a dental hygienist and dental technician, is a simple way of prevention, a solution to oral hygiene and gum problems, as well as improving oral flora and reducing tartar formation.
“If one’s body is not properly prepared for the healing period, the expected healing will be much slower or not successful at all, and we can provide a solution to this problem,” he added.